Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a gardener's dream. They are virtually carefree once established. Snails don't seem to be interested in them. They will even self seed and come back the next year in mild climate. I look forward to their return each year--it signals that summer is here at last. Once nasturtiums begin to appear they quickly cover an area that is given to them, and within a very short time begin to produce an abundance of striking blossoms that appear to be made of tissue paper.

I have not taken time in the past to  grow many flowers from seed, but I thought I'd try them this year.  I remember their colorful flowers from my childhood, having grown up on a one acre mini-homestead within the city limits of Seattle.  My parents filled up every flower bed with something, and the garden was huge and kept us in fresh veggies all year long (my Mom canned the summer's bounty).

With the very warm weather this summer, many flowers thrived.  The nasturtiums were one of this group.  They are still growing, climbing up fences and other shrubs in their way.

Aren't they beautiful?