Every year I commit to growing something completely new to me. This year, that distinction went to sesame.

I sprinkled seeds, liberated from Franklin Park Conservatory, in rich soil in mid May. They sprouted and grew to three feet tall. A string of pentagonal buds formed into sweet white flowers. Below the flowers, strings of five pointed pods grew around the stem.

The pods are swollen and dark green now. In time they will dry to brown. I'll pluck the pods from the plant and shake out the dry seeds for eating or saving for next year.

I imagine the harvest of sesame seeds will be minimal, yet I will certainly plant sesame again. It is a tall attractive addition to a flower border and an unusual edible to tuck into sunny spaces.

Are you growing anything unusual this year? How's it going?