Society Garlic

can you eat it

Yes, it is edible 

Is society garlic edible? I.e. can it be used in salads or as garnish?

Yes, Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish. Both the leaves and the flowers of the plant have a mild garlic flavor, making them a versatile addition to various dishes.

Culinary Uses:

1. Leaves: The leaves can be chopped and used as a substitute for chives or garlic chives. They add a subtle garlic flavor to salads, soups, and other dishes.

2. Flowers: The flowers are also edible and can be used as a decorative and flavorful garnish for salads, soups, or other dishes.

3. Bulbs: While the bulbs are technically edible, they are not commonly used in cooking, as they have a much stronger and more pungent flavor compared to the leaves and flowers.

Considerations:

• Mildness: Society Garlic has a milder flavor than true garlic (Allium sativum), so it won't overpower dishes.
• Raw or Cooked: Both the leaves and flowers can be used raw or cooked, depending on your preference.

Overall, Society Garlic is not only ornamental but also a tasty and safe option for culinary use.

Do deer eat this plant?

Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is generally considered deer-resistant. The plant has a strong garlic-like scent that tends to deter deer and other herbivores from eating it. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, Society Garlic is typically not preferred by deer, making it a good choice for areas where deer are present.

Additional Considerations:

• Location: In areas with very high deer pressure and limited food sources, deer might nibble on plants they would usually avoid, but Society Garlic is usually low on their list of preferred plants.
• Companion Planting: Planting Society Garlic alongside other deer-resistant plants can help create a landscape that is less appealing to deer overall.

In summary, Society Garlic is a good option if you're looking for a deer-resistant plant.

Does this plant repel Moles?

Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is sometimes believed to have natural pest-repelling properties due to its strong garlic-like scent. While its pungent aroma can be effective in deterring some insects and even small mammals like deer or rabbits, there is no strong evidence to suggest that Society Garlic effectively repels moles.

Moles and Plant Repellents:

• Mole Behavior: Moles are primarily insectivores, feeding on grubs, earthworms, and other soil-dwelling insects. Their presence in a garden is often more related to food availability than plant choice.
• Plant Repellents: While certain plants with strong odors (like marigolds or castor beans) are sometimes suggested as mole repellents, their effectiveness is limited and inconsistent. Moles are more likely to avoid areas that lack their food sources rather than avoid specific plants.

Alternative Mole Control Methods:

• Physical Barriers: Installing underground barriers, like hardware cloth or metal mesh, can help prevent moles from entering specific garden areas.
• Traps: Setting mole traps in active tunnels can be an effective way to reduce mole populations.
• Soil Treatments: Reducing the population of soil insects (like grubs) can make your garden less attractive to moles.

In summary, while Society Garlic may have some repellent properties against certain pests, it is not a reliable method for repelling moles. Other control methods are generally more effective for managing mole activity.

Can you eat it?

Yes, you can eat it. 

Is this the garlic plant that the smell keeps the dear away

Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is generally considered deer-resistant. The plant has a strong garlic-like scent that tends to deter deer and other herbivores from eating it. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, Society Garlic is typically not preferred by deer, making it a good choice for areas where deer are present.

Additional Considerations:

• Location: In areas with very high deer pressure and limited food sources, deer might nibble on plants they would usually avoid, but Society Garlic is usually low on their list of preferred plants.
• Companion Planting: Planting Society Garlic alongside other deer-resistant plants can help create a landscape that is less appealing to deer overall.

In summary, Society Garlic is a good option if you're looking for a deer-resistant plant.