Chives

Chives in bloom in spring.

* Common name: Chives

* Botanical name: Allium schoenoprasum

* What it is: A perennial herb and member of the onion family that grows in clumps and sends up shoots that have a mild onion flavor. Small pink flower clusters form atop stems in late spring.

* Size: 12 to 16 inches tall and wide

* Where to use: Herb or vegetable garden but also makes nice edible edging plant in a mixed garden bed.

* Care: Almost none. Snip back to an inch to harvest and cut whole plant back to ground after it browns out after fall frost. Fertilize once or twice a year with a balanced organic fertilizer. Can be divided in spring or fall if clump spreads beyond where you want.

* Great partner: Spiky form pairs well with a wide-leafed edible, such as sage, basil, lettuce, cabbage, etc.