Whether you just walked by the garden, or have visited a number of times, we'd like to know what you think and where you came from. We like to think that this demonstration garden is inspiring some of the many tourists we get in Shepherdstown as well as friends and neighbors, so please post a Comment below and let us know who you are, where you are from, and what you think!
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Shep, I thought you and your readers might find inspiration, as I did, by Brian Troup's example of how to garden and produce seed "on nothing a year"
I discovered Brian just north of Frederick by buying his poppy seed (papaver somniferum) on Ebay. Brian was eager to have someone visit and share his passion for poppies. Outside his modest condo, old windows resting against the stoop provided a make-shift cold frame, sheltering a few robust poppy plants. Aside from these, and seedlings under grow lights in the lower level, all Brian's gardening activity takes place on an allotment outside Frederick -- I think he said 30' x 70'. He corresponds with other poppy-lovers around the world, trading seed and nurturing his stock of new varieties until he has enough to offer for sale -- now around 10 varieties of papaver somniferum. He is also developing one Nicotiana that captured his fancy. He is very organized, computer-savvy, and devoted to this labor of love -- I gather there is no profit to speak of, given the charges for ebay, paypal, etc. Brian generously shared his expertise and I came home with many packets -- and a gift of two enormous, luscious seedheads of "giganteum". I can't wait to visit the allotment when the poppies are in bloom. Maybe Brian could be persuaded to this neck-of-the-woods to share with others how to succeed with the marvelous genus Papaver.
Posted by: Meg Spurlin | February 22, 2011 at 12:00 PM
We live about 5 miles southeast of Shepherdstown in a house made out of recycled materials, mostly old tires. We're just getting into gardening - total novices - and saw (or, truthfully, noticed) the Princess St. Garden for the first time yesterday! How did we ever not see it before! Open your eyes, eh!
We were thoroughly impressed and would love to attend any meetings/workshops you offer around your initiative.
Larry & Cathy Halvey Goodwin
Posted by: Larry & Cathy Halvey Goodwin | November 01, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Love your garden! I would love to know more about doing this type of gardening and I think the community garden idea is fantastic. We need more of that throughout our Country for numerous reasons.
Posted by: Barbara Keech | May 21, 2010 at 08:40 AM
There will be another organizational meeting Sunday January 17 at 4:30 at the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church across from the Post Office, on Washington Street. Hope to see you there...
Posted by: shep | January 06, 2010 at 09:22 AM
Hello - I really enjoyed the meeting last night and hearing what you had to say. I signed the list for the community garden last night. Just thought I would leave my email here as well. I am very interested in the community garden.
Ellen Smith
Posted by: Ellen Smith | December 14, 2009 at 02:50 PM
We were walking by the garden last week while visiting from Hopkins, MN.
Lovely garden and a good concept.
Good luck with the project.
John Arthur
Posted by: John Arthur & Pamela Deerwood | August 13, 2009 at 10:03 PM