Rare Seeds.

[bluemoon]

I watched the whole series of 'Victorian Kitchen Garden' over the weekend. I remember it from years ago and loved it, but I did notice that they seemed to be having trouble locating veg seeds that were at the time (about 20 years ago, I think) quite rare. On this list was salsify, cardoons, scorzonera, and even rocket and endives all of which are now available in mainstream seed catalogues. I'm sure I've seen 'Ne plus ultra' peas somewhere too. Did the programme revive interest back then do you think? Or is it just that there are more of us vegetable gardening now and we're becoming more adventurous?
The HSL has to have helped too, I suppose.

[Hazlerigg]

I loved that series ! Also saw 'Wartime Kitchen Garden' (I think) this weekend with the wonderful Harry Dodson (again I think!) Really opens your eye's to the wartime effort. I think I would draw a line at making mayonnaise with a potato !

[BrideXIII]

I watched the whole series of 'Victorian Kitchen Garden' over the weekend. I remember it from years ago and loved it, but I did notice that they seemed to be having trouble locating veg seeds that were at the time (about 20 years ago, I think) quite rare. On this list was salsify, cardoons, scorzonera, and even rocket and endives all of which are now available in mainstream seed catalogues. I'm sure I've seen 'Ne plus ultra' peas somewhere too. Did the programme revive interest back then do you think? Or is it just that there are more of us vegetable gardening now and we're becoming more adventurous?
The HSL has to have helped too, I suppose.

I think it helps when things become 'fashionable' I know we don't like people who get a lottie and 3 months later get bored etc. but if ten out of 100 stick at it, the thing grows, I think it's the same with rare/heritage seeds, TV has made them fashionable, and it sticks with some people and varieties are coming back.
when supermarkets like waitrose start stocking the odd heritage potato etc, people go OOOOHHH!! and some even try growing them.

[Snadger]

I now grow all the plants you've mentioned from the Vic garden...........it certainly enthused me!

[Sue]

Hi
I found the Ne Plus Ultra peas in the new Tuckers catalogue. It's one of the rare (now) tall growing peas, most catalogues only have Alderman so it was good to find another one to grow.
I love discovering new/old varieties, always on a constant quest to find the plants just right for me.
Sue