When Leaves Come First

There are few pleasures that gardeners look forward to more than the first flowers of spring. After the bloom fades, all that's left is the foliage. However, the foliage can come in an endless array of colors.

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Hide CaptionShow Caption'Pesto Perpetual' basil (photo courtesy of Sunny Border Nurseries)

- 'Haight Ashbury'

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By Janet Loughrey, special to HGTV.com

Kitchen gardens are no stranger to bicolor or multicolor herbs such as pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata') and 'Tricolor' sage (Salvia officianalis). The first variegated basil is sure to win rave reviews with edible and ornamental gardeners alike. The foliage of 'Pesto Perpetual' (Ocimum x citriodorum) is edged with a wide margin of creamy white. The upright columnar habit and generous height (to four feet tall) make this a striking focal point. This variety doesn't flower, so it keeps its aroma and flavor all season long.