Did you know that seed catalogs are the most widely-read garden books in the world?
Today most seed companies offer their catalogs online, but many gardeners still look forward to getting their catalogs in the mail to brighten cold days. I confess that I am among them.
Ordering online is cool but it can’t beat the browsing comparisons that can be done with portable, bendable printed copies.
I’m delighted to say that my coffeetable is covered with colourful catalogs sprouting multi-coloured sticky notes.
Although I will be buying my fruits and vegetables from the organic producers in my community, I like to grow my own herbs and flowers.
Some like fuschias and geraniums I have kept over but there will be annuals to start and that means there are choices to be made.
The first mail-order seed catalog was introduced in 1834.
It was the advent of the postal service, mail order houses, and their reasonably priced seeds, made it possible for more people to plant flowers. Prior to that time only the wealthy could afford cut flowers in their homes.
Seed companies that have been in operating for a century or more include Ferry Morris Seeds (1856), Park Seeds (1868), and W. Atlee Burpee Seeds (1876). Note how much artistic care was taken to render botanically correct images. Farmers pay for their seeds in advance and reap income after harvest, so exact representation of size, shape or color of a vegetable or flower in the catalog was a priority for the painters.
ella
January 27, 2008
And your beautiful header image is a reminder of spring to come. Just what these snow-weary eyes needed to see. Can’t wait for the real thing!
brightfeather
January 27, 2008
Hi there,
I’m looking out the window and seeing snowflakes fall but I know that soon it will be spring.
I’m so glad you like the header. :)
ella
January 29, 2008
And now you’ve gone and changed it! Perhaps the dragonfly is a sign of warmer — better — days ahead.
brightfeather
January 30, 2008
Hi ella,
I’m sorry I didn’t get to your comment sooner. I’ve had several appointments and have had some hours away from the cyclops these last two days. I’m feeling much better and happier too. :-)
I’m looking forward to spring. I’m tired of wearing winter duds and spending so much time indoors. The good news is that winter is half over and done with. My fuschias and geraniums kept over very well downstairs under lights. My dreams are featuring flowers and sunshine. My headers change depending on where I’m at but dragonflies are interesting. Secret Gardens: Dragonfly Symbolism