Tender Blooms

The nasturtiums, such tropical-looking beauties, are having a last fling before frost.

Incredibly satisfactory flowers -- they're edible too. As are the leaves.

Nasturtiums are native to Peru. They were brought to Europe in the 1600's where they were grown in monastery herb gardens for their medicinal qualities. (Nasturtiums are high in Vitamin C and have anti-bacterial qualities.)

I'll try to save seed for next year -- they do self-sow to some extent, but usually in the garden pathways rather than in the beds where I'd like them to be.

As always, click on the pictures to 'biggify' and enjoy the intricacies of the blooms.