Lots of things are blooming out in the raised beds. The sun has stimulated plants to put out flowers for the roving pollinators. I haven't seen too many bees up here on the patio but we do have flies, wasps, and some beetles doing the work.
Nasturtiums
Both the leaf and the flower are edible on these annuals. The flower has a spicy, radish-like flavor that adds a lovely peppery bite to a salad or can be used as a garnish. The nasturtiums are doing so well that i had to cut them back severely last week to make room for the growing squash. I harvested over 60 flowers and this week you'd never know - i hardly made a dent!
Impatiens
These low growers traditionally enjoy less sun but are happily blooming their little hearts out in the raised beds. The flowers of impatiens are edible by people and unfortunately they've become the target of Japanese Beetles. The beetles have left most of the other plants alone although i did shake a few off the basil growing in the greenhouse. One or two japanese beetles can eat their way through a few flowers and leaves a day. There are all sorts of 'solutions' available to rid your garden of the, but i still choose to practice the 'just flick it off' option. After all, they are just trying to get a decent meal!
Squash
Our other star bloomers are the acorn squash plants. They are responding to the sun and shooting out loads of flowers. Did you know that squash flowers are either male or female? The male flowers get sent out on long stems, farther away from the body of the plant to fertilize female flowers. The female flowers sprout from the center of the plant and, once fertilized, will show a little bulge in the stem behind the blossom. This is the actual squash and since they form close to the plant they are supported by other stems. AMAZING!
Also, did you know you can eat these flowers? Just pick them (preferably the males, otherwise you maybe sacrificing a future squash) right after they open, stuff them with something delicious (most recipes i have encountered recommend a soft cheese concoction with goat cheese or cream cheese plus herbs), twist the top closed, dip them in egg and flour and fry them on the stove. Many farmer's markets and stands will have these seasonal delicacies. Get them while they last!
Check out the second photo for a highly professional diagram displaying both male and female squash blossoms, PhotoShopped by yours truly. Enjoy!
Enjoy the bounty and take advantage of what your local farmers are growing. It could be your newest favorite food!
Grow on,
your Garden Gatherer
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