Nancy, I have Hercules peas, which is a crowder, butter, or cow pea. I have heard them called all of the different names! It was developed by Clemson University in the 50's or 60's. They are large peas, about 1/4" in diameter, when picked fresh and have a brown "gravy" when cooked. They are easy to pick since they don't hide and very easy to shell. They are kind of rare now, due to a crop failure about 10 years ago. The new and improved variety is Colossus, which doesn't have as good of a flavor in my and other old timers opinion. I also have Alabama colored, Black Jungle, and Seiva (Spelling?) butter beans if you want some. I tried to e-mail you but it didn't work. Will you try e-mailing me? I'll be happy to send you some.

Hello! I have a question, do you trade for SASE or just other seeds? You are the first person I have came across that has heirloom seeds. I have been doing research about heirlooms and would like to grow a small garden of them. Please let me know! Thank you Ruth

I agree with the recommendation for yardlong beans; kids are fascinated by them. The variety "Chinese Red Noodle" would be especially interesting, since it has attractive, deep burgundy-purple pods. It really thrives on heat, too... which would be a plus, given your location. Another variety, "Taiwan Black", has very long pods, some of which can actually be close to 3 feet long when mature. Both are pole varieties, you can get them from Baker Creek. Another bean that would be interesting would be winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus); and since it is a tropical bean, it is especially well-suited to Florida climate. The flowers are very attractive, the 4-sided beans are unusual, and all parts of the plant are edible. You can get seed from the non-profit ECHO, which is also located in Florida. Don't know how well common beans would do there; but a mixture of green, purple, and yellow-podded varieties would be really eye-catching. Some companies even offer a mix, I think Parks had one. Good point about the limas, Happy. Don't know the age of the children, or the degree of adult supervision... but if potential toxicity is not an issue, there are two other candidates I would recommend. Both have the added advantage of being tropical: - Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata) has rampant vines, and some of the largest pods (up to 3" wide & over a foot long) of any bean. Kitazawa Seeds carries them. Kids like big, and these are probably the largest bean seeds you can grow. - Hyacinth bean (Dolichos lablab) has very large vines, beautiful fragrant flowers, and unusual clusters of flat pods. Kitazawa & Baker Creek both carry several varieties. Most of my recommendations have one thing in common - they are pole varieties. I agree with George, kids are really drawn to climbing beans. Some of these (such as sword bean, hyacinth bean, & the more rampant pole limas) will climb very high. You might consider raising a 10-foot pole with strings attached, then tying off the hanging strings to stakes at the bottom to form a tee-pee. This could be an impressive sight when filled with vines. Having said all this... have you contacted the Florida Master Gardeners? They would probably be happy to help, and could recommend the best varieties (and planting times) for your area. They might also be able to direct you to local sources, and perhaps even provide you with free seed.

hey all, hope you spring got off to a great start. Sorry I haven't posted lately, just been on to make sure the box is on track.Only one more week of school then I can get back to gardening. I'm glad this round is going smoothly and hope you will all join again next fall. Have a great summer and take care.- thanks, Rachel