Below are some catalogs that I picked up years ago. For a look at 10,000 more seed and nursery catalogs check out the Smithsonian Institution's collection. It includes trade catalogs from 1830 to the present.
I wonder how many of you still subscribe to seed catalogs? If you do what are your favorite catalogs. Or do you buy online, or buy both -- from catalogs and online for seeds? Maybe you buy plants or seeds at stores or save seeds?
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| L. L. OLDS SEED CO. 1941 |
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| ALFRED J. BROWN SEED CO. |
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| FRONT COVER OF MILLS SEED HOUSE 1913 |
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| BACK COVER OF MILLS SEED HOUSE 1913 |
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| W. ATLEE BURPEE CO 1942 |
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| SOW SALZER'S SEEDS |
I remember these. My father always had new seed catalogs and I guess we loved looking at them mostly because of the colors.
ReplyDeleteRubye -- I think that is what draws folks to seed catalogs is the colored graphics as well as the seed varieties. Thanks for the comment -- barbara
ReplyDeleteI love the graphics on these vintage catalogs. Something about looking at a seed catalog that has so much promise in it.
ReplyDeleteMichelle -- good way to put it -- seed catalogs representing promise -- thanks for stopping by -- barbara
DeleteWe enjoy the catalogs but mostly get our seed from the local co-op. One funny catalog story on my father-in-law. He ordered a plant called a Topeperato. When he gets the package it is a potato slice with a hole in the center and a tomato and pepper seed to plant inside the potato slice. We laughed at him for years for ordering this exotic vegetable plant.
ReplyDeleteGrampy -- sounds like a bit of trickery for your father-in-law. Co-ops are great. Wish we had one in this area. I guess we used too but for some unknown reason to me it disbanded -- barbara
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a gardener, but I appreciate very much the value of those old catalogues you show here. They represent a part of our cultural heritage that all too often gets lost on our way into the future.
ReplyDeleteRuneE -- Perhaps it is better if we treat the past as building blocks rather than landfill. I appreciate your very valid comment. -- barbara
DeleteHow did I miss these? They are beautiful and so is what they represent. I can't wait to look through the latest catalog. It's like reading recipe books. I may not make everything, but the vicarious experience is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteTeresa -- I especially like the old catalogs with their lithographic covers rather than photos. I wish that I could enjoy cooking more -- good cooking is what I consider an art.
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