Introduction to the Flower Collection

Our flowers are equally at home in the border and the vegetable garden. We specialize in rare and heirloom varieties. Our aim is to preserve and protect them. They are durable, drought resistant, and some are edible. They all attract beneficial insects to keep the pests at bay. They are companion flowers, which makes them beneficial to the vegetables they are grown with. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to them.

Growing and Protecting Perennial Winter Vegetables- By Marsha Goldberg- Eagleridge Seeds-

Perennial heirloom vegetables thrive on Salt Spring Island. They love our wet autumn conditions and survive our winter temperatures with very little effort on our part. It takes a little planning then very little maintenance, to enjoy these nutritious plants. They taste best at this time of year right thru the following spring, then go to seed in the summer. Once they complete this cycle, cut them back, and they will begin again.

Location is key. Find a spot in your garden space that drains well and allows easy access during the winter. An in ground raised bed is ideal .Use mulches of straw or leaves to protect them during the coldest parts of winter. When the coldest temperatures are forecast, put aside some dry mulch to lightly cover your whole plant. Once the cold snap is past, just pull the cover back .Keep the mulch in place throughout the growing season.

These plants can be started from seed in the spring or late summer. I will include here some of the many varieties we raise for seed and have been growing on our farm for many years now.

Most of these plants would not be considered deer proof and could be grown in large pots if you keep them near your house and protect them during the coldest weather. The snow does act as insulation with mulch.

A warm thank you to our wonderful host at Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday on February 5. The attendance and support for local agriculture was an inspiration. We now look forward to our own local event February 12. Then back on the road to Victoria Convention Center on February 19, followed by Courtenay on March 5. The last event will be Duncan on March 26.

We look forward to meeting you all, sharing seeds, advice and the wonderful history of heirloom seeds.

Byron and I joined forces to plant our first seeds of the 2011 season . The highlight of the greenhouse additions today is a very special Angelica. Rare in the Western world, Ashitaba -Angelica keishei koidzumi- comes from Hachijojima Island ,Japan.The English translation is Tomorrow's Leaf, based on the quick growth habit, once you pick the leaves and stalks to eat, they grow very quickly. I was introduced to this variety by Richo Cech. The nutritional value is unique, a very good source of Vitamin B12, almost unheard of in the vegetable world. It is famous as a tonic for the whole body. Also used for tea.

We were also honoured this week , with a visit from a distinguished guest from Japan.Dr. Yoshiaki Nishikawa was here to tour our operation. He is very involved with the issues of seed security around the world. He recognized Ashitaba immediately as he walked past our glasshouse, and was delighted to see one of his native plants flourishing here.