Yesterday was the annual Fourth of July potluck in the community garden. I have to admit it was a little embarrassing when someone introduced me as the "watermelon queen." For one, I don't take any credit for the crazy watermelons I've grown the last two summers as I think it has more to do with the location of my garden plot (against the cement wall, which holds the heat) than anything I personally have done. And also, well, "watermelon queen" -- really? That said, perhaps because of the proclivity of my garden space when it comes to melons, I've added a few more to the mix. As you may recall, I already have the Hokkaido going (from a seed harvested from one of last year's melons). It was the slowest of the seeds to start in my kitchen window but, as you can see from this photo (it's the vine hanging on to the watering can), it's pretty happy now and already starting to make its move. The Cantalupo de Charentais and the Marina di Chioggia (to the far right in the photo below) are also beginning to branch out from their respective spots in the garden.
To that mix, I've added two new varieties from seeds I got from the Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds company. I learned about this company in a strange way: One day I came to my garden and found their catalog, along with two seed packets (for lettuce and for okra and if anyone wants the okra seeds, please let me know) sitting on the bench. I'm still not sure who left me the catalog or the seed packets but am very glad they did as the more I learned about the company, the more it's one I'd love to let more people know about. All their seeds are heirloom -- some very rare and from all over the world. Although based in Missouri, they also have a Seed Bank -- an heirloom seed store in an old bank building -- in Petaluma and publish the Heirloom Gardener magazine.
I also learned that they're the type of company that when you order a packet of seeds they send you a second packet for free. That wasn't just a fun surprise when I ordered some seeds myself but also the answer to why the okra and lettuce (and not just any lettuce but Lettuce Marveille des Quatre Saisons or "Marvel of Four Seasons") packets ended up on my bench. Obviously my mystery benefactor thought I should have these seeds (and I think someone else, really, should enjoy the okra). I myself ordered the Watermelon White Wonder ("so pale it's almost transparent") -- how could I not, right? And, when I received my package, was delighted to discover a packet of Melon d'Alger ("another colorful ancient French cantaloupe") as well. Both were started in my kitchen window and now take a place in the garden. The Melon d'Alger seed started first and is shown above (below the white marker) right after planting. The Watermelon White Wonder went in yesterday -- on the 4th of July. Better than fireworks any day, right?
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