Nasturtiums are one of those garden stalwarts that always seem to bring out smiles. How can you not love a plant with so many virtues? Nasturtiums are fast growers. Low maintenance. ("Benign neglect" is often prescribed in gardening books.) The colorful flowers bloom all summer long. Even the leaves are cheery, nearly round and reminiscent of tiny lily pads. Thomas Jefferson included nasturtiums in the kitchen garden at Monticello for the peppery zest both leaves and blossoms add to salads. The writer of one herbal helpfully noted that, should one run out of capers, pickled nasturtium seeds are an excellent substitute. Enjoy them scampering up a trellis or cascading from a windowbox this holiday weekend, knowing that, in the Victorian language of flowers, nasturtiums signify patriotism.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Nasturtiums: A Charmer with Many Virtues
Nasturtiums are one of those garden stalwarts that always seem to bring out smiles. How can you not love a plant with so many virtues? Nasturtiums are fast growers. Low maintenance. ("Benign neglect" is often prescribed in gardening books.) The colorful flowers bloom all summer long. Even the leaves are cheery, nearly round and reminiscent of tiny lily pads. Thomas Jefferson included nasturtiums in the kitchen garden at Monticello for the peppery zest both leaves and blossoms add to salads. The writer of one herbal helpfully noted that, should one run out of capers, pickled nasturtium seeds are an excellent substitute. Enjoy them scampering up a trellis or cascading from a windowbox this holiday weekend, knowing that, in the Victorian language of flowers, nasturtiums signify patriotism.
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