Giverny in New York

Today, June 20, 2011, is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in terms of daylight, and the first day of summer. Although it would be lovely to ring in summer in Claude Monet's garden in Giverny, I am doing the next best thing: bringing Giverny to my urban terrace garden in New York City by planting Tropaelum majus (Nasturtium) , a plant that I have enjoyed over the years, but one that has not done well in my terrace garden. I am hoping that because this year I've planted them in a different location, they will flourish, and it looks as if they are on their way, as evidenced by the photographs posted below.

The name, Tropaelum majus, is from the Latin words nasum (nose) and tortus (twisted) because their smell "makes the nose twisted". Evidently hummingbirds are attracted to their color and nectar, so I am hoping that those songbirds will pay a visit to my garden.A number of people that I know have mentioned to me that they have enjoyed this edible plant in salads, but I find the flowers and leaves far too attractive to cut, so I don't think I'll be serving them at my future summer soirées; however, I will be rendering these images (and other photographs of this stunning plant) into greeting cards that go beyond communication. Meanwhile, to see my other greeting cards, please visit the store-front  pages of my web-site (where purchase details are available).