Update: Head over to the Algonquin Books Blog for another chance to win some seeds!
As some of you know, I planted a poison garden while I was working on Wicked Plants. I'd never grown, much less seen, some of the plants in the book, and it's just too weird to write about plants you don't know. So I managed to come up with about 35 species that I could actually grow in my climate, in a small secluded garden, without inflicting too much harm on anyone (poison oak, for instance, was not invited.)
And you know what? Some of those plants were very pretty. Castor bean! Datura! Opium poppy! Foxglove! Tobacco! Lovely, really. Not suitable as an entree, but lovely nonetheless.
So imagine my excitement when Botanical Interests offered to put those very plants together in a Wicked Plants seed collection. The impetus for this is the upcoming Wicked Plants exhibit at the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers--more about that in the coming months--this gives them a little something extra to sell in the gift shop and support their fine work.
(Botanical Interests, by the way, does a lot to support the fine work of botanical gardens. Have you seen their Botanic Garden Series in partnership with Denver Botanic Gardens?)
So. Here, just in time for your last-minute holiday shopping: the Wicked Plants Seed Collection. Here's what you get: Datura meteloides, foxglove 'Gloxiniiflora' blend, Nicotiana sylvestris, two poppies (Double Peony and Hungarian Blue), and a castor bean 'Impala'.
And yes, we've got a collection to give away. You know what to do. Comment to win; extra credit for limericks involving poisonous plants,poison gardens, or other horticultural mishaps.
Oh, and let me just add--I'm not making money off this; I was just happy to see it happen so that the Conservatory would have a revenue-generator for their gift shop next year. If Botanical Interests does well with it, all the better. And if you happen to know a shop that would like to carry the collection, have them contact Botanical Interests and make it so.
That's very cool! It is odd to write about plants you don't know but you did, even the most obscure species, good service! I find myself giving multiple copies of the book as gifts for the second year in a row!
Posted by: Chris Upton | December 15, 2010 at 04:23 AM
Castor Bean,poppy, foxglove
there is danger in all the above,
though their blossoms are sweet
they can stop your heart beat
and you're spirit will be carried off by a dove.
Posted by: lisab | December 15, 2010 at 07:18 AM
Amy, I think I had better read your book again. I didn't realize I grew so many wicked plants!
I worry about my dog, he still chews things out in the garden.
Eileen
Posted by: Eileen | December 15, 2010 at 07:28 AM
Must . . . not . . . order . . . for . . . Mother-in-law!
Splendid idea!
Posted by: marlene | December 15, 2010 at 08:30 AM
Oooo ... now I know what to give following last year's "Wicked Plants" gifting bonanza - the actual Wicked Plants !
Posted by: Laura Bell | December 15, 2010 at 09:27 AM
There once was a Wiccan named Cat,
Who craved 'Wicked Plants' just like dat.
When she heard of the seeds
She just about peed!
That funky, cool Wiccan named Cat!
Posted by: Jeff | December 15, 2010 at 11:00 AM
I love foxglove. I wish I could get it to self seed more readily.
Posted by: jen | December 15, 2010 at 11:01 AM
Genius idea Amy! What a package. I wish you made a little something though...you deserve it.
Great idea for garden authors in general as new sources of revenue should be tapped. It's not an easy full time gig.
You chose a great organization to benefit from your idea in any case.
Shirley
Posted by: Shirley Bovshow | December 15, 2010 at 11:16 AM
No payment? They should at least do a "sale with your book" display.
Yes, perfect gift for my Mother in Law.
Posted by: Barbara Hobens Feldt | December 15, 2010 at 11:50 AM
This collection of seeds is superb
For flowers and bees and birds.
When planting, beware
you must handle with care;
Add a sign that says "Do Not Disturb".
Posted by: Tom M | December 15, 2010 at 11:50 AM
There once was a double Datura
who's flowers were purple to lure ya.
But don't eat it, bro.
You'll get high, I know.
You don't want to die, now do ya?
Posted by: Derek | December 15, 2010 at 12:15 PM
Tobacco is nice. I'm not jokin'!
His leaves look so beautiful growin'.
He's chalked up some losses,
from the cancer he causes.
It's not his fault you decided to smoke him.
Posted by: Derek | December 15, 2010 at 12:46 PM
love the idea of "wicked plants"...are they just as wicked as everything else in Maine...or from LLBean??? lol
Posted by: Michelle Voda | December 15, 2010 at 01:34 PM
I LOVE growing Datura but never tried any of the others in your seed collection. Pick ME so I can try them all!
And it's too cold here in Detroit to limerick!
Posted by: Eric | December 15, 2010 at 01:50 PM
Can I get some real opium poppy? i have icelandic poppies, california poppies but would love the georgeous opium poppy. My father used to have some.
Posted by: jane cappy | December 15, 2010 at 02:03 PM
I want to be a witch and would like a starter kit. There, I said it;)
Posted by: Margaux Drake | December 15, 2010 at 03:25 PM
Looking forward to your SF appearance - please find some time to visit your fans at the SF Botanical Garden/Strybing Arboretum, just down the road from the Conservatory of Flowers.
Posted by: Tyler C | December 15, 2010 at 05:18 PM
Monkshood is one of my mother's favorite plants; she has the late and earlier blooming varieties. One year, the deer ate it down. That same fall, I found 3 dead deer in the field behind the house. Coincidence?
Still hoping that the chipmunks will be stupid enough to eat the daffodils.
Posted by: carpetbag_garden | December 15, 2010 at 05:35 PM
and what about Lousiana? Can they make it
in our very woo woo climate?
Posted by: susan brazell | December 15, 2010 at 06:16 PM
I grow many of those wicked plants -- for their beauty, sure. But mostly because the deer also know they're poisonous.
Posted by: Craig @ Ellis Hollow | December 15, 2010 at 06:18 PM
OMG you have no idea how long I've been looking for the caster bean seeds.... i had one a few years ago.. My BFF doesn't believe me that they really exist... WHOOO HOO.. I'm ordering mine right now...
Posted by: Lisa M | December 16, 2010 at 03:32 AM
I love wicked plants and I thank @aHaModernLiving for the RT that's how I found you : ) Can't wait to get some growing : )
Posted by: Authentic Haven Brand | December 16, 2010 at 01:40 PM
I can't think of any clever limericks, but I would like to win these! I love Botanical Interests' beautiful package art, and that combined with the Wicked Plants design means that it's going on display if I win! :)
Posted by: Steve Asbell | December 16, 2010 at 02:07 PM
Great idea. I love Nicotina and use lots of Botanical Interest seeds. Love the packaging and helpful info. Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Gayle | December 17, 2010 at 07:58 AM
The Wicked Woman of The Rant
Wants us to grow a villainous plant
Choose ricin, datura, digitalis
Tobacco or opium
But not cannabis
Posted by: Ray Eckhart | December 17, 2010 at 09:45 AM