On the DIG Board, we’re gardeners at heart. Between all the policy document writing sessions and community-garden meetings, the five of us are still grounded in the soil of our backyards, balconies, plots, and fields. Below is what we have asked Santa for this Christmas…
Mini Chiu wants beans! “I am learning to appreciate the humble bean – though I prefer a bush variety since I don’t have much height to work with in the garden yet! It’s cool-tolerant and short season, what’s not to love”. Might we also mention how stunning the bean seeds look!
These beauties can be found at https://heritageharvestseed.com/
Mary Drummond stumbled upon a delectable looking melon called Prescott Fond Blanc from Beebeseeds.com This heirloom ribbed, warty, nearly pumpkin-shaped beauty is rose-orange in colour, and the mature fruit tastes like a rich honey cantaloupe. Yes please!
Carri Edwards wants to add a splash of colour to an already colourful community garden! For Christmas, Carri wants Strawberry Blonde Marigold seeds (available at Burpee.com). No ordinary flower, this variety of French marigold does something almost unbelievable; it changes colour: “When warmer, blooms are yellow-pinks; when cooler: pink-plum tones kick in”. These plants grow to 8 to10 inches, and make a perfect “sun-splashed border or container”.
Adrian Hogendoorn asked Sinterklaas for Tavor Organic Artichoke from the Vessey’s catalogue. Last season, he started his seeds from The Netherlands in February, dropped half of his seedlings on the ground, killing them, and watered, weeded, added compost around the rest, to no avail. Those artichokes just did not want to thrive, despite a positively Mediterranean summer. Inspired by the annual garden tour in July, Adrian saw a perfect row of artichokes growing at The Field Community Garden. Artichokes are packed with inulin, a prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria and have plenty of potassium, vitamin C, magnesium and folate. This is what he wants for Christmas!
Brandon Jaspers-Fayer also asked Sinterklaas for seeds to put under his Christmas tree – buttercup squash! He loves his butternut squash, but cutting it up can be so difficult. Less so with this variety. Buttercup has thin skin, which is edible after cooking. Chefs recommend using the sharpest, best quality knife available, and placing a damp towel underneath the cutting board to prevent slipping. After a long growing season, you will be rewarded with a veggie with velvety texture and a slightly nutty, chestnut-like flavor. Get it at Westcoastseeds.com
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holidays! May Santa be kind to you all 🙂