Inherited Goodness

Gardens | Heirloom VegetablesHeirloom vegetables are alsobecoming popular with chefs. They arechoosing heirloom varieties becausethey offer a chance to play with newcolours in dishes – they also vary intaste to the modern-day versions.A renewed interest in old or heirloomor heritage varieties has meant aninteresting range has become availablevia mail order, classified adverts ingardening magazines or bought online.Once you have chosen your heirloomseeds, the seeds can be planted muchlike any other seeds of that plant type.Simply plant, nurture and enjoy! •Sandra Batley is an award-winning landscapedesigner and owner operator of Aucklandbasedinnovative garden design companyFlourish, www.flourishgardens.co.nzTo find out more visit...ABOVE Tomatoes are easy to grow and a staple vege in many houses, hence the hugenumber of varieties available – each one with its own unique shape, colour, textureand size. Pictured here are the Black Crim, Garden Peach, Green Sausage, Tigerella,Leo Of Casino and Pink Brandy Wine varieties.www.ginnysherbs.comwww.greenurbanliving.co.nzwww.italianseedspronto.co.nzwww.kaiwakaorganics.co.nzwww.kingseeds.co.nzwww.koanga.org.nzwww.organicpathways.co.nzHeirloom in the KitchenThe intense and natural flavours found in heirloomveges will make them a favourite in the kitchen aswell as the garden.We used 14 different varieties of tomatoes forthis fresh and delicious salad, including the Leo OfCasino variety which was bought back from WorldWar Two in the cuffs of a soldiers pants! Combinedwith other local and organic flavours this simplesalad clearly demonstrates the unique colours andshapes which can be found in heirloom varieties.Simple combinations and cooking techniqueswill ensure that no matter what heirloom vege youare serving up, the flavour will be crisp, intenseand simply yummy.138 | April/May 11 | homestyle