My Flowers and I (Nasturtiums) - Maree

As I work among my flowers, I find myself talking to them, reasoning and remonstrating with them, and adoring them as if they were human beings. Much laughter I provoke among my friends by so doing, but that is of no consequence. We are on such good terms, my flowers and I.

- Celia Thaxter, 1835-1894

Orange Nasturtiums in my garden this summer - Seeing Lin Frye's article on her Nasturtiums, it reminded me to do a quick sketch of mine as they're already on their last legs! I was a bit disappointed in their turnout this year - I planted a couple of packets of seeds in various pots all over my garden, but for some reason they were very leggy en floppy. I think some were getting too much sun and some not enough! Oh my, but at least I've managed to gather some seeds from a couple of them.

Nasturtiums are a gardener's dream. They are virtually carefree once established, or so the packets say! Snails don't seem to be interested in them. They will even self-seed and come back the next year in mild climates. I look forward to their return each year; it signals that summer is here at last.

Go to "Blissful Housewife" for some great culinary uses of Nasturtiums, like this great starter, below - Nasturtium blossoms stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese or ricotta cheese, chives and pesto.

"Just looking at nasturtiums can make you smile - eating them might even make you giggle!"

Nasturtium Water Color: Judy Butler

Nasturtium in my new handmade Journal 5 x 7
2009 Heavy Watercolor Paper

Nasturtium blooms are intricate and interesting with an explosion of orange in the back yard. They are one of the few things blooming in our late summer garden. My husband has picked bouquets often since June bringing them into my painting area. Now our first frost may happen next week and if not then, the week after for sure. I will be so sad to see them go but will look forward to their return next spring.

Watercolor painting of Nasturtium
2003 Nature Journal Entry

I just recently realized that I have often drawn them over the years. On this post are three of the different drawings I found in my nature journals in the last nine years. I like their bright orange, pink, and shades in between and find their whimsical shape very cheerful. The big playful round leaves are fun to paint.

Watercolor painting of Nasturtium
2000 Nature Journal Entry

Nasturtiums were my mother-in-law's favorite flowers. She kept a small bouquet of these happy blossoms on her kitchen table all summer long. She put them in a little test tube stand that was used in her father’s patient room during his country doctor’s practice in Gordonsville, Tennessee at the turn of the century. When I see them in the garden but especially when I paint them, I think of her and they make me smile.