Antique flowers with a delicious perfumy scent. Sweet peas were discovered by a Sicilian gardener in the late 1600s; he followed his nose, and their fragrance beckoned. By the early 20th Century, they were one of the most sought-after flowers for English gardeners. Breeding these flowers for color, size, ruffle, and adaptation to different climates became the rage. But something happened along the way: their fragrance faded. Let the heady perfume of this mix return you to the days when sweet peas weren't just for show but were also for smell!

Sweet peas are not the same as edible garden peas, in fact, they are toxic. Do not consume!

Showy spikes of bright magenta blooms bring in the pollinators. This vertically spiking plant, also known as Gayfeather, unfurls blooms from tip to stem, like a flame descending a sparkler stick. No wonder it is so attractive to so many pollinators: its showy spikes draw in crowds of butterflies, moths, bees, nymphs, and hummingbirds. The larvae of the spectacular Bleeding Flower Moth, depicted in the artwork, feed on the leaves of Liatris species such as this. It is also attractive to humans, who appreciate the ombre tones of the spike as it moves from the bud to flower stage. 

Contemporary heirlooms. Where do our garden heirlooms come from? Sometimes from the hands and minds and tastes and hearts of visionaries. Heirlooms are a flashback in time, but they're not static. One of the people that future gardeners will be telling stories about is Frank Morton. For over 25 years, Frank has been selecting and crossing, discovering, and creating new open-pollinated varieties of lettuce, kale, broccoli, herbs, and flowers. Rather than seek to control, patent, or license these exciting crosses, Frank releases them to the public, encouraging what he calls "Ecological Crop Improvement." One of his creations is this colorful Flashback Calendula, so named for the splashes of deep red color on the backs of the petals. It's destined to become an heirloom of tomorrow! Select seed from your favorites and create your own artistic interpretation.

Brief beauty, long-lasting health. Gorgeous poppy petals, as thin and delicate as crepe paper, don't last long. The seeds, however, are vessels of endurance. Rich in omega-3s, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, a wide range of vitamins, and all of the essential amino acids, poppy seeds are exceptionally nutritious, contributing to health and, it is said, to longevity. Used in culinary creations all over the world as a spice, condiment, garnish, and dessert base, poppies yield hundreds of thousands of seeds from just a few plants.

This mix is taller than the Mother of Pearl Poppy, with bigger seed pods and a longer season of bloom. Colors range from pink to lilac.

Includes a variety of pink, purple, blue and scarlet poppies.

Single-petaled blooms in red, pink, and yellow adorn burgundy foliage. All that's left of the Bishop of Llandaff's Palace in Wales is an iron-gated arch entrance flanked by crumbling stone towers. But his gardens live on in the progeny of his dahlias. Though dahlias are most often grown from tubers, seed-grown dahlias are more fun. Why? Because dahlias are octoploids, meaning they have four times as many chromosomes as most other flowers, so the seeds produce a spectacular diversity of architectural leaves and blooms in a myriad of forms and colors. Part of the joy in planting the Bishop's Children is that if you find one you love, you simply harvest and store the tubers to plant next year. Congrats: you are a plant breeder!

Bishop's Children blooms in mix of red, burgundy, magenta and the occasional yellow flower on foliage that ranges from purple tinged to deep burgundy.

Fry or roast to blister, and salt for the perfect savory snack. Blistered Shishitos are the pinnacle of appetizers. Flash-fried in a pan and served with dipping sauce, they are now a popular starter on tables across America. But their roots are in Japan, where they were popular long before reaching Western plates and palates. the name "Shishito" means "Lion Pepper." Fiercely flavored with a stable temperament, Shishitos are indeed lion-like. Even the plants look a bit feline, with their heavy harvests of green peppers hanging shaggy and full like giant manes.

If you've ever had a plate of green shishitos, prepared to perfection, salty and perfectly spicy and softened by a brief sauté, you've undoubtedly thought about growing your own. And why not? Finding the peppers in stores is difficult; growing your own is straightforward, inexpensive, and allows you to binge each summer on a very special treat.

So reliable and sweet, it deserves a crown. After finding this New York heirloom featured on the cover of a 1934 Harris’ Seeds Catalog, we were intrigued. Here is what they had to say about it. "Outstanding 1934 Introduction. Extremely Large, Early and Very Prolific. We put it mildly when we say that those who tested this new pepper last year were extremely pleased with it. The immense size, earliness and heavy yield make King of the North a variety that will give enormous yields of fine fruit even here in the North. The plants are medium size, branching and literally covered with fruit. The flesh is thick, mild and sweet." Was this pepper still deserving of a crown after all these years? In order to find out, we trialed it on our home farm- only to discover some of the famed regional adaptations had faded. After careful selection work, we're proud to say that this pepper is once again King of the North(ern growing conditions) with fast-maturing fruits that ripen to royal red even in short seasons. Grow these sweet bells in your own garden to see why they reign supreme! 

Mix of Russian and Siberian kales in shades of green and red. Innovative plant breeder Tim Peters developed this mix, originally called Gulag Stars, by blending Brassica napus kale varieties (Russian kales) with shinier Brassica rapa varieties (mustards and Asian Greens) using a method known as bud pollinating. Almost like astral projection, this allows two related but separate species to be swirled together. The result is this delightful mix, a blend of kales with shapes, colors, textures, and sizes that vary from plant to plant like colorful star-forming nebulae

The flavor of this kale similar to other Russian kales, a bit sharper than Dino Kale or Vates Blue Curled Kale. Plant this variety if you enjoy the flavor of Asian greens, but long for something more substantial and longer lasting in the garden. Makes a great baby leaf for salads. It's also a great variety for the budding breeder or seed saver. Kale is a biennial; grow the plants in year one, overwinter the ones you like, and save the seeds in the second year.

Easy to grow, ornamental, and nutritious. What's at the end of the rainbow? For gardeners, it's a bountiful harvest; for cooks, it's a delicious meal; for artists it's a colorful plate. This multi-colored Swiss Chard mix satisfies everyone's end-of-the-rainbow wishes, with succulent-stemmed leaves in shades of red, yellow, orange, and cream. Grow this chard and you'll see: a good garden is more valuable than a pot of gold.

Consider planting in a spot where its ornamental value can be appreciated. It's easy to grow and tends to perform quite well even when slightly neglected. One of the tastiest ways to prepare chard is to heat some oil over low heat in a tall pan, toss in some sesame seeds until toasted, then add a heap of chard until it wilts. Add soy sauce and a little sweetener: so good!

A bee-utiful mix of eye-catching striped cherry tomatoes. When new open-pollinated varieties are released they can sometimes get lost in the maze of hybrids touted to growers. If these new OP varieties don't catch on, they may disappear. We trial new varieties to discover which ones deserve some serious buzz. Over the past decade, plant breeder Fred Hempel has been using classical breeding practices to create colorful and delicious new varieties he calls "Artisan Tomatoes." We adore Hempel's Bumble Bee line the striped cherries are both pretty and tasty.

Contains Purple Bumble Bee, Sunrise Bumble Bee, and Pink Bumble Bee cherry tomatoes. Grow a few plants this year and you'll find yourself buzzing like a bee to each. Indeterminate.

Standard flat-leaf variety grows long stems and robust leaves. The most popular herb in the Western world, parsley has a bright, unmistakable tang that unites and amplifies the flavors of any dish. Of Mediterranean origin, it is now grown nearly everywhere. In temperate climates it is biennial; with the protection of a cold frame or snow cover, it comes back each spring and can be harvested for about a month before it goes to seed. This large-leaved, heavy-yielding variety is wonderful in gremolata: chop finely, then mix with lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil; salt to taste.

This variety produces big, flat, leaves on robust plants; a true giant!

Highly aromatic savory variety that thrives in colder climates. While oregano evokes images of scrubby herbs on Mediterranean cliffs, in the Northeast, oregano is a champion of the cold, one of the first perennial herbs to emerge from winter dormancy. In fact, it is so tolerant of winter that it rarely dies back entirely and can often be harvested year round, anytime the ground is not covered by snow. Use it as the ancients did, making wreaths in honor of Aphrodite to crown the heads of newly married couples. Or, harvest loads of it in mid- to late spring and dry in a warm airy place. A small patch provides enough for a year's worth of delicious soups and sauces.

Essential in a range of cuisines, from Middle Eastern to Mediterranean, oregano imparts a distinctive, rich, savory, hunger-inducing aroma to cooked dishes. This Greek strain is stronger flavored than others, and it forms a hardy, scrubby, spreading clump over the years. When treated as a perennial, it's best to harvest as much oregano as possible in May or early June, before it begins to flower and develop an overpowering flavor. When grown from seed each year, the leaves remain more delicate and mildly flavored, perfect for fresh eating in salads and quick, fresh sauces.

Flax is the flower you’ve been missing in your garden border! ‘Linore’ reliably produces beautiful, sky-blue, pollinator-attracting flowers and delicate, airy foliage on stems that average about 2.5' tall. Developed in 1962 at the University of Oregon, this cold-tolerant variety can also be grown for linseed oil and fiber production. 100-110 days.

Instructions: Direct sow seeds onto the soil's surface as soon as the ground can be worked in early spring. Do not cover the seeds, as they require sunlight to germinate. Water well after seeds are sown. Collect seeds at the end of the season to broadcast for future planting, and clear growth once it dies back. 

• Direct sow in spring as soon as the ground can be worked
• Requires sun stratification to germinate
• Space plants 6"-9" apart in row
• Space rows 6" - 9" apart
• 1 lb seed can be broadcast sown to cover a 10' x 10' garden plot

This variety develops large, wrinkled, green leaves with a classic Southern mustard green flavor and a delightfully spicy kick. Plants reach 16-24 tall and produce plentiful leaves that can be picked when small for making salads, or when larger for cooking. 

Instructions: You can directly seed your mustards into the ground, placing 3 seeds every 8 inches. Plant them 3 months before your first frost in rows 18-30 inches apart. The seeds should be planted 1/4-1/2 inch deep. As they grow, thin them to 1 plant every 8-10 inches. Mustards may bolt early if planted in the spring.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a popular, warm-season fruit known for its juicy, sweet flesh and refreshing taste. The watermelon has become a staple in gardens and farms worldwide. With proper care, these sprawling vines produce large, delicious fruits in a variety of colors and sizes. These delicious, refreshing, and easy-to-grow fruits that thrive in warm climates. Their sprawling vines require space, but with proper care, they yield sweet, hydrating fruits perfect for summer.

• Plant Type: Annual
• Genus: Citrullus
• Species: Lanatus
• Plant Height/Width: Low growing but need lots of space… think 20 sq feet.
• Exposure: Full Sun
• Difficulty: Easy

Verbena (Verbena spp.) is a genus of flowering plants known for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms and ability to thrive in warm climates. These drought-tolerant, low-maintenance perennials and annuals are commonly found in garden beds, borders, and containers. Their ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees makes them an excellent choice for eco-friendly gardening.

• Plant Type: Annual
• Genus: Verbena
• Species: Hybrida
• Plant Height/Width: up to 12"
• Season: Blooms May - October
• Exposure: Full Sun
• Difficulty: Easy

Monterey Cypress grow into bold, fast-growing evergreen trees from the species Cupressus macrocarpa. Native to the foggy coasts of California, these trees adapt surprisingly well to inland climates and offer year-round greenery with feathery foliage and a signature cypress silhouette. Perfect for windbreaks, privacy screens, or dramatic standalone features, Monterey Cypress matures quickly and tolerates a wide range of soils—though it prefers well-draining conditions. 

• Plant Type: Evergreen tree
• Genus: Cupressus
• Species: Cupressus macrocarpa
• Plant Height/Width: 40-70 feet tall / 20-30 feet wide
• Season: Year-round
• Exposure: Full Sun
• Difficulty: Moderate

Pumpkin squash is a versatile and popular member of the gourd family, known for its vibrant orange color, sweet flavor, and diverse uses in both culinary and decorative applications. It's a nutrient-rich vegetable that can be incorporated into a wide range of recipes, from soups and stews to baked goods and desserts. In addition to its culinary benefits, pumpkin squash is valued for its health properties, including high levels of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. With proper planting, care, and maintenance, you can enjoy abundant, healthy pumpkins throughout the fall season.

• Plant Type: Annual
• Genus: Cucurbita
• Species: Cucurbita
• Plant Height/Width: Takes up a lot of space!
• Season: About 100 days to a mature turban squash.
• Exposure: Full sun
• Difficulty: Easy

Funky squash is a term used to describe unique, visually interesting varieties of squash that stand out due to their unusual shapes, colors, and textures. These varieties may include heirloom, hybrid, or ornamental squashes, ranging from warty and ridged types to bright, multi-colored forms. They are popular among gardeners for their novelty, as well as their culinary and decorative appeal.

• Plant Type: Annual
• Genus: Cucurbita
• Species: sp.
• Plant Height/Width: Low growing vine
• Season: Low growing vine
• Exposure: Full Sun
• Difficulty: Easy

The Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas), also known as Field Poppy or Flanders Poppy, is an iconic wildflower recognized for its brilliant red petals and delicate, paper-like blooms. This annual flowering plant is often associated with remembrance and wartime symbolism, particularly due to its historical significance in World War I. Aside from its sentimental value, the Corn Poppy is widely grown for its beauty, resilience, and ability to attract pollinators. 

• Plant Type: Annual (self-seeder)
• Genus: Papaver
• Species: Rhoeas
• Plant Height/Width: 12-24" high
• Season: Blooms late spring to early summer
• Exposure: Full Sun
• Difficulty: Easy
• Attributes: Attract Pollinators

Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are beloved for their fragrant, colorful blooms and climbing growth habit. These flowers have been cultivated for centuries for their delicate beauty and enchanting scent. Available in shades of pink, purple, red, blue, and white, sweet peas add charm to gardens, trellises, and floral arrangements. Their long, trailing vines make them ideal for vertical gardening and decorative displays. Sweet peas are beautiful, fragrant, and easy-to-grow flowers that bring charm to gardens, fences, and floral arrangements. Their climbing habit and vibrant colors make them ideal for trellises, archways, and hanging planters.

• Plant Type: Annual
• Genus: Lathers
• Species: Odoratus
• Plant Height/Width: Climbing vine up to 100"
• Exposure: Full Sun
• Difficulty: Easy

The Spider Flower (Cleome hassleriana), known for its delicate, spider-like blooms, is a stunning annual that adds height and charm to gardens. Native to South America, this plant is loved for its tall, airy structure, vibrant colors, and long-lasting blooms. The flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. The Spider Flower is a stunning, easy-to-grow annual that adds height, color, and pollinator appeal to any garden. With its unique, spider-like blooms, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.

• Plant Type: Annual (self-seeder)
• Genus: Cleome
• Species: Spinosa
• Plant Height/Width: 36-60' TALL
• Season: Blooms late spring to first frost
• Exposure: Full Sun
• Difficulty: Easy

Morning Glory is a fast-growing, stunning vine that enhances any garden with its vibrant trumpet-shaped blooms and lush foliage. Whether used for trellis decoration, erosion control, or pollinator attraction, this versatile plant is an easy addition to sunny landscapes.

• Plant Type: Annual (self-seeder)
• Genus: Ipomoea
• Species: Purpurea
• Season: Blooms summer into fall
• Exposure: Full sun to partial Shade

Hollyhocks are towering, majestic flowers known for their dramatic height, colorful blooms, and old-fashioned charm. These biennial or short-lived perennial plants can grow up to 8 feet tall, making them ideal for cottage gardens, borders, and backdrops. Hollyhocks are pollinator-friendly, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and though they are relatively easy to grow, they are susceptible to rust disease. Proper care and maintenance can ensure that these flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall, creating a beautiful and nostalgic display in the garden. 

• Plant Type: Biennial
• Genus: Alcea
• Species: Rosea
• Plant Height/Width: 6-8 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
• Season: Blooms June - August
• Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Difficulty: Easy
• Attribute: Attract Pollinators

Gazanias are prized for their ability to bloom profusely from late spring through fall, adding bursts of color to any landscape. Their striking flowers open in full sun and close during cloudy weather or at night. These easy-to-grow plants require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

• Plant Type: Annual
• Genus: Gazania
• Species: Sp.
• Plant Height/Width: Groundcover
• Season: Blooms summer into fall
• Exposure: Full Sun
• Difficulty: Easy

French Marigolds are vibrant, easy-to-grow annual flowers known for their bright blooms and pest-repellent properties. They come in shades of yellow, orange, red, and bi-color varieties, adding cheerful color to flower beds, containers, and vegetable gardens. Beyond their beauty, French Marigolds are valued for their ability to deter pests, making them an excellent companion plant for vegetables and herbs. 

• Plant Type: Annual
• Genus: Tagetes
• Species: Patula
• Plant Height/Width: Up to 12"
• Season: Summer
• Exposure: Full sun
• Difficulty: Easy
• Attributes: Deter pests & attract pollinators

Evening Primrose is a striking biennial plant known for its delicate yellow blooms that open in the evening and attract nocturnal pollinators like moths and bees. This hardy and drought-resistant wildflower thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a valuable addition to both ornamental and naturalized landscapes. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, Evening Primrose has been used in traditional medicine and herbal remedies, particularly for its oil, which is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and is believed to offer various health benefits. 

• Plant Type: Biennial
• Genus: Oenothera
• Species: Biennis
• Plant Height/Width: up to 48"
• Season: Fall and Spring
• Exposure: Full sun
• Difficulty: Easy
• Attributes: Attract Pollinators

Cypressvine Star Glory is a fast-growing, ornamental vine that adds beauty, height, and pollinator attraction to gardens. With its delicate foliage, star-shaped flowers, and climbing habit, it is an excellent choice for trellises, fences, and vertical gardening.

• Plant Type: Annual
• Genus: Ipomoea
• Species: Quamoclit
• Plant Height/Width: 6 - 15' h x 1' w
• Season: Blooms during the summer
• Exposure: Sun
• Difficulty: Easy to Grow
• Attributes: Attract Pollinators