Snapdragons
Let’s get tropical!
With their wide array of colours and sizes, snapdragons are simply beautiful. Also known by their scientific name as “Antirrhinum majus “, which have been loved in gardens since the Middle Ages. Indigenous to Europe and used in folklore as an antidote against witchcraft.
A piece of cake
Snapdragons are perfect for the first time gardener and are easy to sow. It is best to sow the seeds in autumn in preparation for spring. Treat the plant as an annual and sow in a new area each year.
They prefer full sun to partial shade; snapdragons are low maintence but are susceptible to fungal diseases so be careful to not over water and to not water on the flower but rather closer to the roots. Also keep in mind that in very hot weather snapdragons will stop blooming.
Plant out the thumb length seedlings in well-composted soil in full sun 20cm apart for best results.
Ointment anyone?
Snapdragons have been used for many years, not only as antidote against witchcraft but as an ointment to sooth burns and rashes.
Simmer one cup of chopped snapdragon leaves and flowers in one cup of good aqueous cream.
Add 2 teaspoons of vitamin E oil; allow to cool and apply as required.
Got that yummy, yummy
Pan fried Pork and snapdragons Serves 4
- 3tbsp sunflower cooking oil
- 4 lean pork loin chops
- 2 onions cut into thin rings
- 1 tbsp green peppercorns
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup snapdragon flower
Method
Fry the chops in oil until brown then add the onions and fry until they start to brown.
Add the rest of the ingredients except for the snapdragon flowers. Gently simmer with the lid on for 10 minutes or until the meat is tender. Finally, add the snapdragon flowers and mix in well.
Serve with brown rice, salad or side dish of your choice.
