Flowering chives (Allium schoenoprasum). Chives flower from spring to summer. Chive leaves are used in cookery to add a mild onion flavour to dishes. As well as being used for their flavour, chives contain vitamins E, C and some of the B- complex vitamins. Chive oil has also been used as an insect repellent and is said to have anti- fungal properties. Photographed in May in Wales, UK.