The new year is all about Rudbeckias and eggplants. At least, according to the National Garden Bureau (NGB), which has selected the flower and vegetable as the 2008 winners. Each year, the NGB board of directors selects one flower and one vegetable to be showcased and features comprehensive fact sheets on their website as a free service to home gardeners and other interested parties. The winners were chosen because they are easy to grow from seed, widely adaptable, genetically diverse and are versatile.
According to the online fact sheets, the eggplant has long been “celebrated as an aphrodisiac and feared as the cause of insanity.” Today it is appreciated for both its inspiring beauty and delightful flavor and is an essential ingredient in cuisines around the world. Eggplant is believed to have originated in India and was cultivated in China as early as 500 B.C.
Rudbeckia is an all-American treasure, states the National Garden Bureau in its fact sheet showcasing the coneflower, which is native to North America and can be found growing as a wildflower in fields and along roadsides throughout the country. “Rudbeckias are easy to grow, adapt to a wide range of garden conditions, have few insect or disease problems, and require only minimal care for a spectacular show of cheerful color during summer and fall.” Rudbeckias were grown in English gardens many years before they were accepted by Americans as worthy garden plants.
The NGB is dedicated to the dissemination of accurate information so that home gardeners can successfully grow flowers and vegetables from seed.
For a wealth of information on the 2008 winners, please visit www.ngb.org and click the gardening tab.
