This woman’s Depression Era Garden is full of plants you’ve probably never heard of

In a quaint London, Ont., neighbourhood garden, a unique variety of veggies from a bygone era are flourishing, and one woman is hoping to bring them back into the spotlight to address food insecurity.

Anne Marie Allen, a retired minister with a background in farming, has dedicated her plot in the Blackfriars Community Garden to what she calls a “Depression Era Garden.” Inspired by the resilience of those who grew their own food during times of scarcity, Allen has researched and planted crops that were common during the Great Depression.

According to Allen, leafy greens like Good-King-Henry were popular due to their tough texture and ability to be harvested throughout the winter. Perennial root vegetables such as earth chestnuts and skirrets were also common choices for their easy preservation and sweet taste, which provided a treat during times when sugar was scarce.

This past spring, Allen planted a variety of these Depression-era crops in her garden, sourced from Small Island Seed Co. on Vancouver Island. The company specializes in rare, cold-hardy perennial crops, making it the perfect fit for Allen’s unique gardening project.

Richard Kuehnel, the owner of Small Island Seed Co., believes that the resurgence of interest in these old-time crops is a positive trend. While some crops like skirret may have fallen out of favor due to modern farming practices, Kuehnel emphasizes that they are delicious, easy to grow, and worth trying out.

As Allen tends to her garden and eagerly anticipates the harvest of her new vegetables, she hopes to inspire others in the community to explore the world of Depression-era crops. By sharing her knowledge and experiences, Allen aims to encourage more people to embrace these unique and resilient varieties in their own gardens.

With a focus on sustainability, resilience, and historical significance, Allen’s Depression Era Garden serves as a reminder of the importance of self-sufficiency and resourcefulness in times of need. Through her dedication to preserving these old-time crops, Allen is not only cultivating a garden but also sowing the seeds of resilience and community connection in her neighbourhood.