From the Garden: Raspberry Fruit and Carrot Seed

It is now, in the longest days of summer, that the raspberries come to perfection.

We are growing two types in the garden. The Yellow Antwerp which is perhaps similar to the Antwerp raspberries Mr. Jefferson first acquired from the famed Philadelphia nurseryman John Bartram in 1798 and recorded “It has the reputation of being among the finest fruits in the world.”

Both the red and the white Antwerp strain of raspberry remained the premier varieties of this most excellent fruit throughout the 19^th century.

The second raspberry we grow is the Cuthbert. This is an excellent red raspberry that was introduced in the last quarter of the 19^th century.

Mr. E.P. Row of Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, gave this review of the variety in the 1879 edition of American Agriculturist:

“I have been in possession of the ‘Cuthbert’ for the past seven or eight years…I can truly say I know of no weak point in it. This raspberry originated near New York City, in the garden of a gentleman by the name of Cuthbert.”

We are in agreement with Mr. Row as to the quality of the fruit and if there is any caution concerning the plant it is its extremely robust nature makes it somewhat difficult to contain.

The Horn Carrots are now in full bloom and, if we can prevent them from cross pollinating with the wild Queen Anne’s Lace, we will harvest more than enough seed to last for several years.

I have made a close inspection of the surrounding countryside and cannot spy any wild carrot so have high hopes of procuring pure seed.

The appellation of Horn to describe this carrot is not in reference to the animal armament so common in many of the hooved creatures but is a misspelling of the Dutch town of Hoorn where is it was first developed.

The carrot flowers make a fine display and are a marvel to many visitors to the garden.