Society garlic is an attractive ornamental plant from South Africa whose leaves have a garlicky odor. Southern gardeners can grow it year-round outdoors; it tolerates summer heat well and blooms for months. The plants do best in full sun and in light, sandy soil. Plants grown in part shade may send up a few flowers, but the bloom period will be shorter. Full sun is a must for good flowers! A leafless stalk 1 or 2 feet tall holds seven to 20 flowers above the foliage in an umbel. Society garlic, excellent as an ornamental, has an alter ego in the kitchen. The leaves can be chopped like those of garlic chives and added to stir-fries, salads, soups or egg dishes, wherever you’d like a hint of garlic.