Columbines are very nice (as are the other members of the Buttercup family). I've never grown any, but I saw them all the time back when I lived in Utah. These are, in my opinion, among the few plants that can have true blue flowers.
The one thing that bothered me about them was the fact that they were always covered head-to-toe in aphids. Are they really that prone to aphid outbreaks?
Carl- they can be prone to Aphids, you're right. I water with a systemic at the beginning of the season and keep a close eye on them. I haven't had any this year yet. Keeping fingers crossed!
My biggest battle is with mildew. Thankfully I staved it off until after peak blooming season, but many of my plants are now in a rather sad state.
With the heat we've been having, I'm surprised they haven't got mites, but they're staying over on the roses and honeysuckle.