Last year I heard tell of beautiful flowers from parsnips and carrots, so I left some carrots in the ground and I’ve been monitoring their progress ever since. I popped along to the allotment this week to see how they were coming along and was equally wowed by this lovely hub of a flower from my Lovage plant, which seems to be its own little universe. It somehow reminds me of ‘Blade Runner’ and for all those Trekkies out there, ‘Deep Space Nine’.
Meanwhile, back at the carrots. They’ve looked pretty impressive at all stages of growth and although I love the flower heads once fully opened, this verdant promise of what’s to come is completely enchanting.
As the myriad of florets start doing their thing, the umbel starts to be revealed,
until the full gorgeousness of a dome is formed. I had to bring a few home so that I could gaze at them for a little longer. They look great in a vase with some self-seeded cornflowers too.
Out of my shed 
Wow, that’s so beautiful. Who knew that the humble carrot would produce such a lovely blossom?
Hi Kate, yes so pleased that I left them in the ground. Should try some parsnips too…
Gosh so that’s a lovage flower- I have several in a crowded bed of nasturtiums on my plot and couldn’t think what they were. And I wondered where this lovely herb had gone since it’s a favourite with buttery new potatoes. It’s a perennial so I shall now keep a beady eye on it and lift and divide in autumn.
Hi Sue, Nasturtiums will engulf most things in their wake. Think I had a buried lovage too last year! Will try with new potatoes. I’ve been using my lovage to cook with a guinea fowl in a pot in the oven. Absolutely delicious!
Lovely! Who needs ornamentals when veg and herbs look this good?
Hi Dan, quite agree!Haven’t grown carrots this year, but must sow a few soon for more flowers next year.
Good to know that lovage is such a versatile herb. I’ve grown just the one from seed (I was warned it can become very large!) as several gardeners have said it’s their must-have herb. Didn’t know it had bonkers flowers though – a plus, in my book! I did the same with carrots and had flowers last year – totally fascinating to watch them develop and a real magnet for wildlife too!