Next weekend (This weekend 10th & 11th Sept) the Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam are organising what promises to be a very interesting weekend for Urban Herbologists.  The event is called “Van aardpeer tot zonnewortel” (literally, from earthpears to suncarrots) and is all about forgotten or old varieties of vegetables.

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be shown some of the interesting specimens which have been lovingly nurtured for this event by Hortus gardener Michael Sawyer and volunteer Elodie den Otter. They should provide  real inspiration for those who enjoy eating different vegetables and those who enjoy growing them.  There is also plenty for those of you who are specifically interested in herbs.

The programme of events taking place next weekend is available online at the Hortus Botanicus website (it is in Dutch).  There will be films about seed saving, tasty eating, Growing in Detroit and Rebecca’s Wild Farm and also tours of the garden in English by one of the gardeners.  There will also be more interesting things going on and I am delighted that I shall now be able to attend at least in part.  Later this week, I’ll set up a meetup.com meeting for any of you who would like to catch up with me there. I have just scheduled a meetup.com meetup for Sunday, 10th September at 1.30pm.  Meeting at the lily pond inside of the Hortus Botanicus.  I hope to see you there!