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Seedy Saturday: load up on ‘Lazy Housewife’ beans

Stewart Farm's annual Seedy Saturday event is a chance to swap seeds, chat with master gardeners and tour the heirloom gardens.
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Heirloom flowers in bloom at Surrey's Historic Stewart Farm.

Stock up on vintage Hollyhocks, heirloom sneezeweed, and “Lazy Housewife” snap beans at this year’s upcoming Seedy Saturday event at Surrey’s Historic Stewart Farm.

Those intriguing-sounding varieties are a sample of some of the seeds saved from the farm’s own heirloom flower, herb and vegetable gardens that will available at the April 5 event, as will seeds and plants from local vendors.

Seedy Saturday at Stewart Farm is a favourite for many local gardeners, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a chance to swap seeds with other seed savers or chat with master gardeners, who will be ready to answer your gardening questions.

Kids can take part in seedy crafts and activities while their parents visit the seed sale.

Visitors can take guided tours of the 1890s farmhouse and sample treats baked in the wood stove.

The farm’s flowers, herbs and vegetables are considered heirlooms because they’re open-pollinated varieties with a history, and have been grown for at least 100 years.

Hollyhocks are a garden flower that were traditionally planted around the outhouse so refined ladies could find the Biffy in a jiffy, without having to ask directions.

Sneezeweed, or Helen’s Flower, is an ancient plant that is reputed to have sprung from the ground watered by Helen of Troy’s tears, according to Seedy Saturday organizers.

And the Lazy Housewife bean is the first stringless snap bean. It was introduced in Germany in 1810. The original seed for this variety was donated to the Stewart Farm by a Surrey pioneer family member.

Seedy Saturday runs April 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Surrey’s Historic Stewart Farm, 13723 Crescent Road.

Regular site hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4 pm, Saturdays, 12 noon to 4pm. Entrance is by donation.

For more information call 604-592-6956 or visit www.surrey.ca/heritage.

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