1st Garden Catalog

We received our 1st Garden Catalog in the mail today. The 2010 Seed Catalog of Seeds of Change arrived. Tradition has it that Seed Catalogs come right after Christmas. Melanie notes that she isn't looking at Seed Catalogs until after the holidays. I couldn't resist sneaking a peek.

I have enjoyed Seeds of Change catalogs before but this one seems like a standout. Perhaps it has not changed but rather my openness and yearning toward growing things. Or maybe, we both have changed in times which are demanding shifts in us all.

The introduction notes that this year's catalog combines Home Gardener and Market Grower catalogs into one. Seeds of Change notes that Home Gardeners are buying more Seeds and Market Gardeners are expanding biodiversity, looking for unique varieties to fit specific ecological and marketing niches.

I especially liked the sections throughout which focused on growing specific Families of Vegetables. The information was short and to the point, just what the busy Gardener needs. The sections come under titles such as "Brassica Agronomics" (Brassicas include: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Kale, and Kohlrabi). This catalog (and their accompanying web site) become not just instruments of sales but invaluable teaching tools too. http://www.seedsofchange.com/

Word has it on the Garden Beat that Seeds sold out early last year. I can anticipate that such will be the casethis year, although Gardeners have early means of acquiring Seeds through their own Seed Collection initiatives. I know we have more in our stash.