which are in fact a variation on the cape gooseberry or chinese lantern. The flavour of these is very special and, because of their compact size, they are as ornamental as they are edible, perfect if space is an issue for you. In 1987, perpetual spinach was in huge demand long after it was revealed that, due to a decimal point being in the wrong place when calculating the iron content of the vegetable, Popeye’s strength couldn’t just be down to his love of the vegetable. James Wong is suggesting we try the callaloo, which is a Caribbean spinach. Its Latin name is amaranthus, a genus of ornamental plants and sometimes known as love lies bleeding and Joseph’s coat. Again, the yellow and red foliage will look great on your patio as well as on your plate. At the time of writing there are headlines in the
news telling us of the crisis in supermarkets and the rationing of courgettes, lettuce and broccoli because of adverse weather in Spain. I’m not sure that there have been fights in the fruit and veg aisles in Sherborne, but it is a good reminder that perhaps we ought to be more self-sufficient, especially in light of the decision to leave the European Union. I don’t think any politician foresaw that particular shortage during the referendum campaign but it might have swayed the floating middle class voter. Self-sufficiency can start in our own vegetable gardens, allotments or even on the patio, so to keep the interest levels up, as well as growing your old favourites, try something new this year. thegardeneronline.co.uk www.sherbornetimes.co.uk | 47