Packets of seeds from around the world bring Plot 29 to life
It started with seed. I was five, my brother six, our new foster father was ancient. He was a gifted gardener, an obsessive grower. He gave us flower seed. Gaudy nasturtium for me: unruly and feral (I think he was telling me something); and orange marigold for Christopher – he never grew them or much anything else again. But I was hooked.
Now I share an organic allotment in Camden Town, north London, growing mainly vegetable crops which I swap and collect from around the world. Seeds with stories. Cherokee Trail of Tears beans, from when they were marched from their fertile land and many died. They saved some seed. Painted Mountain corn, the most beautiful food I will ever grow, from a brilliant Oregon plant breeder, Tim Peters.