Picking alliums in the Dutch countryside is a delight—whether you’re alone, savoring the quiet rustle of stems, or laughing with friends and family as you fill baskets with these vibrant blooms. The thrill of choosing the perfect stems, their spherical blossoms bobbing in the breeze, turns a simple outing into a memory. Back home, alliums shine in decor: tuck them into a rustic vase for a striking centerpiece, weave them into a garland for a whimsical touch, or dry them upside-down to preserve their charm for months.
If you’ve gathered edible alliums (like garlic or chives), try them in a creamy garlic soup (sauté chopped alliums with potatoes, add broth, blend until smooth, and finish with cream) or a spring herb salad (toss fresh chives, parsley, and greens with lemon vinaigrette). For a soothing allium tea, steep chopped garlic greens in hot water with honey and lemon. Or, for a playful twist, muddle chive blossoms into a herbal gin fizz—shake gin, lemon juice, a dash of honey, and egg white with ice, then top with soda and a float of blossom petals.