Sat, 18 April

NASTURTIUM, n. A low scrambling annual of the genus Tropaeolum, native to South America, naturalised in neglected corners wherever a busy person once had good intentions. Flowers edible, peppery, unreasonably cheerful. Thrives on poor soil and inattention. Distinguished from all other garden volunteers by its refusal to be overlooked: burns cadmium against whatever surrounds it, demands no care and offers no apology. The gardening literature recommends companion planting; the nasturtium recommends itself. In the language of the organised, a weed. In the language of the honest, a survivor that arrived before you remembered to show up.