plant of the moment

Allium

Those humble chives in your window box are the height of fashion - and they taste good, too

If you have a window box with a few chives in it, congratulations. s, of which the humble chive is but one variety, are some of the most fashionable florals around. At Chelsea and also at the RHS show at Hampton Court last week, nearly every garden featured at least a few. They are no more and no less than ornamental onions, with frilly, feathery, mauve flowers, ranging from the understated little chive to whacking great tennis-ball- sized globes. Added bonus: you can eat them.

Hester Lacey