SC-Heirloom Gardener

Form back cover: "Thousands of gardeners are discovering the joys of growing heirloom vegetables and fruits -- older, classic, often rare varieties now difficult to obtain from commercial nurseries and seed companies. Older varieties are often better adapted to specific local growing conditions, offer a rich diversity of choices, and can be better-tasting than new hybrids. Moreover, by growing heirlooms, gardeners help to safeguard a precious gene pool and reap the unique rewards of literally bringing history to life." **** CONTENTS * Preface Part One: A Heritage of Fruits and Vegetables 1 - Living Heirlooms Part Two: Who Is Saving the Seeds? 2 - One Thousand Different Beans 3 - Seeds to Share 4 - The Big Business of Selling Seeds 5 - Living History 6 - The Seed as a Ward of the State Part Three: How To Find and Grow Heirlooms 7 - Old Seed Search and Research 8 - Old But Good 9 - Bringing in the Seeds Part Four: Plants for the Future 10 - Heirlooms in Perspective Part Five: Resources for Heirloom Gardeners Appendices: I - Seed Exchanges II - Seed Companies III - Living Historical Farms and Museums IV - Bibliography of Selected Historical Sources V - Sources for Old Horticultural Books and Seed Catalogues VI - Federal Repositories for Fruits and Vegetables * General Bibliography

If you never knew what an "heirloom" was in terms of gardening, you will after this read. I came away from this book with a whole new perspective, admiration, and appreciation for maintaining the integrity of each individual plant, not matter what it was. This provides insight on all the aspects of heirlooms from the government, scientists, seed companies, and home gardeners. What started out as an article for the New York Times culminated into this book which is highly informative from someone who knew nothing in the beginning and learned more than most of us ever will about the subject.