| Rather surprisingly, for such a well-known flower, the origins of Lathyrus odoratus are shrouded in mystery and its country of origin is not known. The flower was first introduced into this country from Sicily in 1699 where wild specimens have also been collected relatively recently. In addition, similar plants have been collected in South America, but all these are suspected of being garden escapes. From these “original” plants were developed what were known as the grandiflora but are now generally called the Old-Fashioned Sweet Peas. Grow them and we think you will agree that they thoroughly justify a place alongside the modern varieties – although the flowers are smaller, they are more dainty and are borne in profusion – once flowering starts, some can be picked every day, even sometimes until October (provided you don’t let them go to seed). Their colours are more intense and glowing, and their scent – strong and heady – is in a different league. Fairly hardy throughout the British Isles. If you, like us, enthuse over these lovely Sweet Peas, why not join “The Eckford Sweet Pea Society of Wem”? Named after Henry Eckford of Wem who began work on the flower in about 1876 and by the turn of the century had raised more than half the varieties then commercially available (even in America), it is dedicated to the conservation and promotion of these varieties. For details, send an s.a.e. to the Membership Secretary, Lyndale Nook Farm, Weston-under-Redcastle, Nr. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 5LP. | 
