written by alison.monks-plackett on 04/09/2013
My dad used Suttons Seeds when he created his big veggie garden and flower borders from an exposed field in Taplow in the 1950's. Suttons was conveniently close to the Reading road in those days. On the veggie menu were peas, broad beans, runners, purple sprouting broccoli, onions etc. All the goodies. We grew up with wonderful veg.
Time went by (lots) and I have been in the in the Jura area of France for 20 years with harsh winters and late springs. Of course we have local seed suppliers - and I've tried various varieties, but still return to Suttons - online and even worth it to add postage - for the old variety of seeds that Dad grew and which thrive here. Broad beans - 'The Sutton' which grows low and does'nt mind the wind or 'Masterpiece' with stakes. Peas - 'Little Marvel' for preference,('Petit Provencale' can't hold a candle) and 'Prizewinner' for runners, which the French don't know at all although they have many varieties of climbing beans. 'Tender and True' for parsnips - panais, which were a puzzle to the French until they also introduced them a few years ago. The neighbours are always envious of my crops of peas and beans. All the 'oldies' grow well. Experiments with James Wong's 'alternatives' or anything more fragile have been less successful. Only problem - I can't take advantage of onions, bulbs, or anything other than seeds. I'm not sure I understand WHY this should be the case in Europe. People pass freely, as do plants etc. when moving house between UK and France so maybe this situation will change????.
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