Seeds with a past - Las Flores de Antes, collection of flowering plant seeds by William Lane Co - Brief Article

Sunset, Feb, 2004 by Julie Chai

Susan McLaughlin loves plants with a history. She parlayed that interest into a new seed collection called Las Flores de Antes ("old-fashioned flowers" in Spanish) for her company, William Lane Co. Seeds. The collection includes seeds of six flowering plants commonly grown in early California gardens: coral bell, Flanders field poppy, larkspur, Mexican evening primrose, 'Munstead' lavender, and nasturtium.

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Artwork by Cheryl Isaacson, inspired by Mission San Juan Bautista, graces each packet. The back includes growing information and stories about the plant.

The seeds are sold at select stores in Monterey, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and San Mateo Counties (about $3.50 per packet). For other sources, visit www.williamlaneco.com or call (831) 786-1385.