Small fruit in comparison to C.sativus but lots and lots of it. It has a pleasant and cooling leaf that shares it's fever treating properties with many in the cucumber family.

Every kid should grow one of these as they do not require a great deal of attention but are so novel and prolific that they will hold their attention all season.

The immature fruit is best for pickles but it can be eaten raw or cooked when mature with none of the bitterness suggested by it's look.

The seed is rich in oil and has a mild nutty flavour.

20 seeds  $3.50

Wild Yam
Dioscorea opposita

The tuberous rhizome is eventual prize and we usually take ours in late Autumn when the plant 'closes down' for winter. It is truly, no problem in the garden with few pests and minimal requirements.

It does not like being waterlogged so the soil must be able to drain freely. We have used the rhizome successfully, as an anti-inflammatory, for leg and menstrual cramps, and to treat Crohn's Disease and rheumatism.

It seems to have particular affinity with the female metabolism and can be used during menopause and menses. It dries well and keeps long term to be used as powder, sliver or tincture. It flowers in Summer and produces what are commonly called 'air potatoes'. These are basically small tubers that will produce a complete plant and rhizome in one season.

5 Air Potatoes   $5.50

The aerial parts are very useful as a tea or a tincture for a variety of ailments affecting the bladder and kidneys.

As a remedy for Prostrate enlargement we find it better than Saw Palmetto as the relief from the pain and discomfort seems more immediate.

As the seed is so tiny, we try and leave the feathery tail on to make it easier to find in the packet.

25 seeds  $4.50

Probably best referred to in Australia as Winter Rose because of the absence of Christmas at that time of year.

This is a very old herb, with a tradition as long as anyone cares to go back.

As a garden plant it is absolutely delightful if a little difficult to maintain in the strong Australian summers.

We keep ours in pots on the verandah as the garden can be a little too harsh at times. It is no problem in pots as long as it does not get to sit in water.

It needs to drain freely and refreshed compost once or twice a year is all the care it needs.

10+ seeds  $3.50

A beautifully constant climber that decoratively covers any unsightly but necessary architecture in the yard with perennial green.

The purple spring and summer flowers are followed by the display of bright red berries hanging in clusters right through to late winter. It has a reputation as a poisonous herb and unfortunately that has affected it's popularity but in truth, it is only the berries that actually have any notable recorded toxic properties.

The twigs are the reason for the common name of 'bittersweet' as, when chewed they have an initial burst of bitterness followed by a pleasant sweet taste.

20 fresh seeds $3.50