Secret Swiss Chard Collection

As I've been ordering seeds for the grounds this year, I've been selecting categories of vegetables that will be displayed in one garden area with the emphasis on "ornamental edibles" and vegetables for compact locations. Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris) is a prime candidate for both categories and as I've gone thru the catalogs, I decided to amass every variety I can find. I shouldn't have too much trouble locating a wide range of this ornamental (and entirely edible) vegetable. Varieties seem to vary depending on their petiole/vein coloration. Above is 'Orange Fantasia' as an example. This blog has lots of different varieties that we've grown and will have in this collection.

The picture to the right is from last night. Our volunteer chili dinner was very well-attended with 90 past, current and potential volunteers. The chili was good and kudos to Lori, Janice, Virginia and Dave for getting it all set-up. I did a presentation on upcoming developments and events at RBG for 2011 and later showed some images from my visits to Philadelphia gardens over the past two years. I'm excited that I'll be able to visit Philadelphia again in June as part of a professional conference and will get reacquainted with gardens and botanic garden friends in that area of the country.

Today was relatively quiet at the Horticulture Center and I was able to finish a presentation and continue with various seed orders. Dr. Gredler was in to work on painting obelisks and progressed to some larger yellow ones that need a fresh coat or two. Rose and Urban were in to also use some yellow paint. Maury was in a couple times with supplies and we also saw Big John and Mary Kay. Tonight is the Moss Gardening talk by Dale Sievert and we'll get things set-up early and be ready to roll at 6 pm. The entire lecture series of twelve monthly seminars should be set-up by the end of the month and we anticipate a good showing at every one.

Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris) can be purchased as a mix of colors as seen with 'Bright Lights' to the left. However, I'm seeing lots of merit with getting solid colors as the primary contribution from the plant in terms of color is the petiole and veins of the leaves. As a side note, Swiss chard is nice in a container as well. Whereas greens like lettuce despise our summer heat, chard will go the distance thru the season and can continually be cut back as a vegetable. Select stems from the outer portion of the plant and new growth will continue from the center of the plant. Swiss chard is a great source for Vitamins A, C, E and K. High in carotenes and fiber, this ornamental edible also has significant amounts of potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, vitamin B6, protein, calcium, thiamine, selenium, zinc, niacin and folic acid. I don't know what many of those nutrients are or what their value is for our health but it sure sounds good. Don't forget to look for a healthy (pun intended) assortment of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris) at RBG this year.