"NEMESIA is a genus of annuals, perennials and sub-shrubs which are native to sandy coasts or disturbed ground in South Africa. Numerous hybrids have been selected, and the annual cultivars are popular with gardeners as bedding plants.
The flowers are two-lipped with the upper lip consisting of four obes and the lower two lobes."
The second "N" is growing in our garden right now although at the end of its season. It is:
"NASTURTIUM is a genus of seven plant species in the family Brassicaceae (cabbage family). These plants are related to watercress and mustard, noteworthy for a peppery, tangy (pungent) flavour.
The name nasturtium comes from the Latin nasus tortus, meaning "twisted nose", in reference to the effect on the nasal passages of eating the plant."
Many years ago, in a small garden bed near our front door, I sowed some nasturtium seed that were many years out of date. We got a full crop of them and they were beautiful. Now they self-seed every year and we have nasturtiums everywhere, more especially in our back garden. There are so many beautiful colours and to see them is to love them.
I do remember using the leaves in sandwiches (probably instead of lettuce) way back but haven't done so probably for 40 years or more. I wonder if I dare try them now especially having read the statement re effects on the nose, I have enough allergies now so perhaps not.
Love them both. Their colours are splashes of happiness.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much yellow involved I love them for that alone.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteNemesia is a new one on me, but it looks lovely. ... "Nasties" are one my own personal staples in the garden, because I love to eat the flowers and leaves as salad components and of course, the seeds make capers! The tendrils and leaves are also delicious lightly stir-fried along with spinach and capsium and shredded celery..... Eaten raw, they can have the effect of horseradish sauce or mustard but not as harsh. YAM xx
I think nemesia are more an old world flower as I seldom see them for sale any more but they are truly glorious with all their colours.
DeleteWhen the 'nasties' take over our back garden each year they bring so much colour with them. Thanks for the tips on how to use them. Phil loves horseradish so maybe I will try the leaves in a sandwich or two. xx
I've rented several houses over the years where patches of nasturtiums are planted under stone fruit trees, peaches and nectarines in particular. I think maybe the nasturtiums repel some sort of bug or fungus, but I never actually found out for sure.
ReplyDeleteI've never knowingly eaten any leaves or flowers, being peppery I might not like them anyway.
Now, that is interesting. I know there are all sorts of flowers that supposedly repel one thing or another i.e. marigolds, but I'd not heard about nasturtiums. I just love them for their colours more than anything.
DeleteI'm not a pepper lover and as I age I find I like peppery things even less.
Once you have planted either of these Mimsie, you always have them. I particularly love nemesia. My back garden when I lived in Coolbellup was taken over by nasturtiums, but they did make a lovely sight.
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if nemesias are out of fashion as I've not seen them around for some time.
DeleteI enjoy the nasturtiums when they take over our back yard. The lovely green leave and the various coloured flowers are glorious. They are also so easy to pull up when they are finished and they help the compost heap too.
Dear Mimsie, \I grew Nemesias down south in NSW but cant get them to grow in nth Qld. But.... I CAN grow Nasturtiums! And I too (still) chop young leaves up and pop them in a mixed green salad. Mimsie my roots go back to Scotland too, perhaps that's why I feel such a connection here as well. I love the cold too! Take care dear girl.x
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