The Society Garlic has never had a fair chance. I planted it in July 2022, too late for Atlanta, but it seemed to hold on over the summer, which had more frequent rains than usual. It faded in the fall, but I had expected as much. However, the polar vortex likely caught it before it was well established. None appeared by April 2023, so I bought six more but never planted them. Fortunately, they are still alive and look none the worse for wear. This year will decide their future.
I chose this plant because the foliage is attractive. It resembles a spider plant or liriope with its spiky variegated leaves. Also, the colorful blooms are beautiful. And, as its name implies, it has a distinctive tangy garlic smell and edible foliage.
The last frost is usually in early April, around the 12th, giving me a few more weeks to plan for the season. Usually, by the last frost date, enough plants have emerged that it’s possible to see where it’s safe to dig, who has survived, and, in the case of tickseed, where it has spread. If all goes well, I hope to look out on a wave of lilac blossoms while enjoying the still temperate June breezes. Perhaps I’ll even pick off a few leaves to add a little zest to a salad. Time will tell…
