Gardeners with neat and manicured gardens beware. This plant is not for you. Like an octopus reaching out its tentacles in search of prey, this plant rambles over, under, around and between, providing a tapestry of colour during winter. Native to Central and South America, the Nasturtium was taken to Europe by the Spanish in the 16th century.

What started out as a small punnet now weaves its way through many parts of my garden. Blooms of red, orange, yellow, and watermelon, both bright and subtle. Dying down when the weather heats up, Nasturtium self seeds so it will pop up again next Autumn with new surprises of colour and position.

The leaves, flowers and seeds are all edible, with a peppery taste. Attracting beneficial insects and acting as a living mulch to suppress weeds, Nasturtium is a real winner. I love it and look forward to their arrival each year.