I know rhubarb takes up a lot of space, Rick, but it really isn't all that unattractive. And doesn't the first rhubarb or strawberry rhubarb pie of the season make it all worth it? I love rhubarb and can't get enough of it in season.
Veggies are not at all difficult to grow, but the problem with them is that there is only a short window (usually pre-harvest) when the plants look really attractive. This make it hard for people like me who like all of their ornamentals and edibles growing together. My favorite vegetables to grow and eat are shallots, asparagus, shelly beans, mild-medium heat chiles, kale, peas, tomatoes, turnips and salad greens like arugula and mache.
I like to have a lot of self-seeding annuals about as well. I actually seeded my back garden with forget-me-nots, Johnny-jump-ups, dill, opium poppies and calendula since they have reseeded well for me in the past. I hope to get them established here over the next few years.
Other ornamentals I like are spring bulbs, species daylilies, peonies, hydrangea, grasses, fragrant hostas and of course my new lilies. Hopefully I can find a way to tie it all together so it looks aesthetically pleasing.
