As the summer draws to a close, gardeners countrywide start ferreting through the Mr Fothergills and Suttons seed catalogues in search of new delights and old favourites for the following season.
But how many, who seem more than happy to part with their spare cash, know that seeds in abundance are freely available?
If you buy a packet of hybrid seeds the chances of reversion to the non hybrid form, when the plant goes to seed is great, but even seeds that revert to their natural form can be attractive.
One seed, love in the mist (Nigella damascena) will seed freely at the end of the season, and if the seeds are allowed to fall to the soil, will return in abundance the following year.
The seed pods, once dried are also a favourite with dried flower arrangers.
But, don't just stop at annuals. In the Veg garden, tomatoes, leeks, onions, courgettes etc will happily seed and in the process save you many many pennies. At at least 99p a packet seeds do not come cheap so think about what you can save and dry or even swap with friends for the next season. Remember, the original plant hunters brought back their fruits from worldwide forays in the form of seed and germinated them and planted them in hot houses. Many of the plants we buy today transcended from this so do not think you are skimping if you swap seeds with friends or collect seed on travels.
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