The engaging search for seeds
When I was a little girl, I used to look forward to the day that the Burpee Seeds catalogue arrived in the mail. We didn’t have a vegetable garden and I didn’t even like vegetables back then, but there was something in me that wanted to grow my own food. Every year, I pored over that catalogue and seeded my dream garden.
Since then, I’ve managed many years of vegetable growing, but that feeling of excitement and anticipation has never worn off. Every year, I’m still full of anticipation, eager to see what new seed catalogues show up in the mailbox. And unless I know exactly what varieties I’m looking for, I still prefer browsing through a printed catalogue.
Over the years, I’ve settled on some favorites. Burpee, of course. Practically a household name, along with their classic tomato variety, “Big Boy.” I’ve also had the opportunity to visit Burpee’s Fordhook Farm in Doylestown, which brings it even closer to home.
I quickly came to appreciate Johnny’s Selected Seeds and enjoyed the opportunity to visit their farm in Maine. I love their selection of peas and beans, and it’s through Johnny’s catalogue that I learned about floating row covers. In addition, their catalogue is packed with more specific planting and growing information than most.
Yet I also enjoy browsing through new catalogs; there’s so much to learn! In the process, I’ve discovered that over the years the face of seed-purveying has changed. It used to be that catalogues simply offered seeds for sale, and there are some that remain much the same, e.g., Gurney Seeds and Jung Seeds, and these continue to fill a niche. Gradually, though, I noticed that some catalogues were including recipes for favorite varieties. (Don’t know what to do with that bumper crop of summer squash? Here are some ideas!) Renee Shepherd (founder of Renee’s Garden, billed as “The Garden to Table Seed Company”) published her first cookbook, “Recipes from a Kitchen Garden,” in 1993.
Just in time for my first, tiny, container-grown vegetable garden in South Philadelphia, dwarf varieties started cropping up. There followed collections of easy-to-grow seeds for children’s gardens. Heirloom (open-pollinated) varieties became more desirable, as well as organic seeds (not treated with chemicals). Companies like Seeds of Change (founded in 1989) and Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company (founded in 1998) emerged.
“Micro greens” became a thing, along with the now-standard “Mesclun mix.” Finally, most recently, I’ve noticed more and more companies devoting a section to seeds to create pollinator gardens. And more have programs that “give back.” By looking at seed catalogues, it turns out that you can track cultural changes. Who knew?
With all this in mind, I want to focus a bit on a particular seed company. Botanical Interests, located in Colorado, celebrated its 25th anniversary two years ago, but it was the first time I’d heard of it. The cover of their 2020 catalogue reads almost like a magazine. Plenty of reasons to take a peek inside:
“Growing from seed for 25 years, and how we are showing gratitude”
“Also in this issue: How to use Edible Flowers, p. 57”
“Staying Grounded: Gardening for your Health, p. 41”
“Plus: Get our free Garden Journal and other Activity Books”
Inside, I found detailed, handdrawn illustrations of plants with some photos interspersed. In the center was a tear-out guide to indoor and an outdoor seed-sowing. Invaluable! And, as promised, a downloadable garden journal and coloring/activity books for kids, as well as a guide to starting seeds. Accessible on their website: botanicalinterests.com. (Scroll to the bottom and under “More,” click on “Free Downloads.”)
It takes a special person and a special vision to venture into the seed business, and each company has its own unique story. I invite you to visit their websites and learn more.
Pam Baxter is an avid organic vegetable gardener who lives in Kimberton. Direct e-mail to pamelacbaxter@gmail.com, or send mail to P.O. Box 80, Kimberton, PA 19442. Share your gardening stories on Facebook at “Chester County Roots.” Pam’s nature-related books for children and families are available on Amazon, at Amazon.com/author/ pamelabaxter.