It used to be that I could set my calendar by the seed and garden catalogs that started arriving on January 2nd each year. But now, using the same reasoning that stores use to display their Christmas items before Halloween, catalog companies seem to be starting earlier and earlier. I got my first one before Christmas, 2023.
I think that this all relates to the early bird getting the worm. In other words, if I get Catalog A first, chances are I will spend all my seed money there and not through Catalog B, C or D. At least that seems to be the reasoning of the brick and mortar stores these days.
Ah, but seed companies should realize that gardeners are consummate shoppers and will look at each and every catalog they get and pick what they want from each. Roses from David Austin, seeds from Territorial Seeds, supplies from Gardeners’ Supply, etc. Which, coincidentally, were the first three catalogs I received for 2024.
Photo of 'Elizabeth' courtesy of David Austin Roses
The David Austin English Rose Catalog has evolved into the David Austin Handbook of Roses. And it really is quite a beautiful and useful handbook. You will find drawings and explanations of the different style or roses – hybrid tea, single, quartered rosette, button-eye and many more. I have always loved David Austin roses (I am an Anglophile) and they do great on the Tillamook coast as our climate is so similar to England, but the handbook will help me understand more about them. The handbook also has sample ideas of how to use roses in the garden, what type of roses do well in specific situations, and of course beautiful photographs and a directory of the roses they offer. All this to move the customer toward better success at growing roses. Roses sold in the US come from Texas but they are still grown for an English-type climate like ours.
New roses for 2024? Oh, yes, that is the first category in the directory. There are two new roses this year and one is called 'Elizabeth,' named, of course in honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This is a lovely, pale apple blossom pink that matures to a blush white. An English Shrub Rose, 'Elizabeth' can be used in a pot or a shady spot and will draw bees and other pollinators. The fragrance is described as being strong and sweet with hints of lemon sherbet and Old Rose. Oh, and the Handbook now also explains why they are introducing the new roses which is nice background to know. If you haven’t already gotten your Handbook, you can call toll free 1-800-328-8893 and ask them to send you one. Honestly, it is such a lovely publication that it could take proud placement on the coffee table!
The Territorial Seed catalog was the second to appear in the mailbox. I like using Territorial seeds as they are Oregon-developed and grown and GMO free. While their main focus is vegetable seeds, they also do have a nice selection of flower seeds, most – but not all – are for annual flowers like sunflowers, cosmos and alyssum. For 2024, they have pages and pages full of tomatoes. And one favorite variety is called 'Frederik,' a beefsteak bred for use in greenhouses. This tomato is considered to be very flavorful, meaty, and produces for a long harvest. It is an indeterminate (meaning it doesn’t have to reach a certain size to produce fruit) but doesn’t stretch to be as tall as most, making it ideal for greenhouse growing. It is also very disease resistant. But Territorial has many, many tomatoes to choose from as well as corn, squash, beans, peas and potatoes. Just about everything a nice-sized vegetable patch could want. Call 1-800-626-0866 to order or to ask for a catalog.
And if you are looking for just about any kind of supplies for the garden, Gardeners’ Supply is a great source. Kits for making raised beds, garden clogs, tools, hoses and all sorts of pots, planters and trellises are on offer and many at sale prices. These items can be found online at www.gardeners.com or by calling 1-800-427-3363.
More catalogs will be coming in the next couple of weeks as we all get inspired for a new, bigger and better season of gardening. I can’t wait.
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