There are more and more basil varieties that warrant space in the garden as an ornamental as much as for their edible properties. There are red-leafed varieties that border on black while other green varieties form beautiful sub-shrubs of fragrant foliage. 'Magic Mountain' basil has smaller purple-veined green leaves that are excellent for cooking but when the purplish flower stalks begin to bloom, foliage plus flowers make a wonderful ornamental for container planters, hanging baskets, and along sunny garden borders. 'Magic Mountain' is a bit more cold tolerant than other varieties as well, so pinching out the flowers will prolong leaf production. The bees and butterflies would prefer that the flowers are allowed to grow, but deer will avoid basil.