The purple coneflower, an old favorite in the summer garden, has been receiving renewed attention lately for its medicinal uses. Many employ it as a weapon against the flu and various infections. Never use any plant to flavor food or as a medicine unless you have consulted experts on proper use. Other flowers that are natural herb companions include larkspur and sweet peas, which can be sown this fall for spring blooms. Nasturtiums, too, can be sown now, or you can pick up bedding plants from nurseries.
Nasturtiums enjoy the cooler months here.
Foxgloves will be showing up in garden centers shortly, too. Plant them in the fall so they will develop a strong root system and a good-size plant by spring, which in turn will give you better blooms. Foxgloves are stately, beautiful flowers that bring a vertical dimension to the garden. These will bloom fall through spring, and if you're an organic gardener, you can eat the flowers. Dates are Nov. 22 and Dec. 6.