This Summer I've grown lilies that have bowled me over, fuchsias that have taken my breath away and artichokes that have made me gaze in awe, but my favourite flower of the season is the little annual nemesia. Nemesia originally comes from South Africa and likes to grow in full sun. It's very easy to grow from seed and looks beautiful in the border and in containers. It reaches a height of about 12 inches (31 cm) and comes in a variety of pretty colours.
I've had to restrict it to this tub to prevent it from being flattened by the dogs! It makes a good combination with the nasturtium Alaska behind it. Nemesia is a pretty, dainty little flower with wispy leaves. It's not particularly dazzling..........
....... until you view it close-up and it begins to look like a mini orchid!
I wonder if the nemesia was named after Nemesis, the greek Goddess of justice and retribution? And, if so, I wonder who gave it this name and why? Looks like lots more googling for me!
Beautiful photos, Lesley!
ReplyDeleteThanks IB. :) The digital camera was a great invention! :D
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers! Always wonderful when a new plant does well!!
ReplyDeleteHi Hit40. :) Nemesia isn't particularly a new flower. I'm not sure when it was introduced, but it's been around for a long time. I've just been growing it for the past couple of years. It's so easy to grow and so pretty too.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos again Lesley. I've always had a liken to Dahlias. There's one called Chat Noir. You don't find many English growing flowers with that much black and red in them! I think it appeals to the ageing rocker in me!!
ReplyDeleteOooooo Gf, if you're an ageing rocker then I must be an antique rocker! :O) I like Dahlias too but I've never grown them. My favourite uncle (my Irish Uncle Jack) used to grow some beauties!). They seem to belong to a group of flowers that modern gardeners are forsaking.... along with lupins and hollyhocks, etc. Chat noir is stunning, very dramatic. It could well appeal to the younger generation of gardeners as very dark colours are in vogue just now.
ReplyDeleteI never knew a flower called Nemesia until now. Wow! That should be my flower. I always considered Nemesis my favorite goddess. I will try looking for a seed I could plant in my garden. We have lots of sunshine all year round. Thanks, Lesley, for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Ss :) Nemesia is an easy to get annual here in the UK. Packets of seeds are sold in all garden centres, etc. I don't know how available they are in your country. If you have difficulty in getting some, you could email me your address and I'd gladly send you some. :D
ReplyDeleteI'm fond of the goddess Luna. She represents the Moon and animals. Probably where the term 'lunatic' derives from..... and I do go a bit funny when there's a full moon! :O)
That is a beautiful flower. It is a new one to me too.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie :) Oh, maybe it's just common in the UK then. :O) Sometimes I think the little annuals get overlooked in favour of perennials. But annuals are so easy to grow and colourful too.
ReplyDeleteThat is a little treasure isn't it!
ReplyDeleteI clicked into your Tarot blog. Sounds like fun! I like an ArchAngel deck that was put out by Doreen Virtue. I love the information from all kinds of decks!
Hi Gg! :)
ReplyDeleteThere are some beautiful tarot decks! I'm afraid I've neglected my tarot blog for some time..... being Summer, I've been spending most of my time outdoors. I'll pick it up again when the Winter weather returns. :)
Hi Lesley - Nemesia is one of my favorites, but not too easily found here in these parts. Those ones you have are so precious.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deedee. :) I'm going to plant lots more next Summer!
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