End of the Year and Seeds!

In the Garden
By Catherine Dougherty
Like the January Ice storm of 2001, Christmas of 2009 will not be soon forgotten. The blizzard that battered the city managed to make it a bit hazardous for us, but saved the huge wallop for those just to the east. It was ferocious in velocity and managed to play havoc on many planned Christmas celebrations this year. Apparently Mother Nature is not to be taken lightly.
With the coming New Year, many make resolutions to change old habits, add a healthful hobby, or improve oneself in some positive manner. The most recent statistics indicate gardening is the fastest growing (no pun intended) hobby in the United States. The reasons are numerous, but there is no doubt that the personal and financial rewards are the primary justification of this joyful pursuit. According to the Edible Gardening Trend Research Report, over forty one million American households grew a vegetable garden in 2009. That is a full 38%! Additionally 18% grew herbs and 15% grew fruits.
Besides experienced gardeners, there was a sharp increase among first time gardeners aged 24-44 with 7.7 million of them adding to the numbers. The main reason given to researchers was to add fresh vegetables to their diets in a cost efficient manner. In an unexpected response, the new gardeners reported the most valuable information and instructions on planting was given them from friends above all other sources. I found this refreshing and recalled the times I had stopped to admire a garden only to walk away with a start of a new plant and information I had never known before. Gardeners are such a kind and generous lot!
As the year closes, the seed catalogues have begun arriving. Once the seasonal energy has become somewhat diminished, it is delightful to make a cup of tea and relax by thumbing through them to decide what to add to the garden in the spring. With the emphasis on modified seeds, the heirloom variety is looking more promising than ever.
Many of our ancestors brought seeds with them from the old country and Michael and Margaret Ott were no exception. They brought two varieties from Germany in 1883... a pink tomato and a deep purple morning glory with a ruby star in her throat. As Grandpa Ott’s health faltered he gave some of his treasured seeds to his granddaughter Dianne and her new husband Kevin Wheatley. From this gift in 1972, the Wheatley’s began their journey of collecting and saving from obscurity priceless heirloom seeds by forming the Heritage Seed Exchange. Today, membership in the Seed Exchange is world wide and some of the infinite variety of our precious seeds has been saved by the Wheatley‘s diligence. These antique seeds are outstanding and affordable; I have never seen such color and texture! Inclusion of one of the heirloom varieties from the Seed Saver’s Exchange will add conversational interest and surprising taste to the garden so plan to order some!


Research Source: Garden Writer's Association, Growing Trends