HEIDI's @ Home.: The beauty of a naturally landscaped winter garden and more .......

I have decided to allow nature to be my garden designer this Winter....here are the results.

All flooded together in a natural 'design', Nasturtium, Lobster Flower and Garden Mint grow happily together. What I love is the different shades of green, grey and the various textures of the different leaves.

The soft morning rays catch the delicate mauve flowers of the Lobster flower . The Lobster Flower ( Coleus Neochilus) needs space to spread itself, so ideal for large, dry patches. The leaves also have a pungent aroma when crushed.

Here I have allowed the Nasturtium to take over this flower box. If I am not careful it will soon be sprawling into the front door! I just love the bright colours of their flowers....One cannot be miserable if your garden is flooded with bright yellow, orange and red Nasturtium flowers.

A close up view of the Lobster flower spike.

Early morning dew droplets on the generous, large and flat Nasturtium leaves.

Back into the kitchen with something to add spice to those cosy winter evenings at the dinner table.

Traditional to the Moroccan kitchen, the Tagine is a conical, covered casserole dish for cooking hearty flavoured stews or Tagine's in.

The essence of Moroccan cooking is subtle spice combinations that give flavour without heat. A spicy paste called Harissa is made from chillies, mint, cumin, coriander, caraway seeds, garlic and Olive oil.

This Tagine is large enough to cook lamb shanks in and hold enough gravy and vegetables.


One can be creative too and use the Tagine to serve dessert in....... these Pears were gently poached, then placed in the Tagine to continue cooking with a subtle cinnamon and vanilla sauce for moisture. Fresh cherries add some colour.