There's nothing sexy here, no color photographs or quaint illustrations. But the information presented in this book is so unique and invaluable that vegetable lovers everywhere will turn to it again and again, looking for a source that offers Grandpa's favorite tomato, or for a description of new plant introductions or unusual varieties. From Purple Dragon carrot to Howling Mob sweet corn, readers will discover an exciting new world of color and flavor, something that has been lost in these days of one-size-fits-all hybrids.

Gardeners concerned with biodiversity and the environment will also appreciate the Garden Seed Inventory. Each vegetable section contains easy-to-follow graphic information on how many varieties have been lost (and gained) over the last twenty years. Gardeners and farmers who save their own seeds can quickly tell which varieties are only offered by one or two companies, and which ones need to be purchased and grown out so they won't be lost forever.

As traditional plant breeding gives way to bioengineering and patented hybrids, it has become even more important to recognize and preserve our rich vegetable legacy: seeds brought to this country by immigrants from every corner of the world, or developed here by farmers and breeders for superior taste, regional adaptability, disease resistance, and other virtues. Far from being obsoleteor inferior, these varieties represent the cream of our vegetable crops. The Garden Seed Inventory opens the door and invites us all to discover them.