Behold the sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus), a climbing, fragrant annual within the legume family. From the sun-drenched realms of southwest Italy to the enchanting isles of the Mediterranean, this botanical gem has graced gardens since the 17th century, bestowing upon them a quaint, cottage-like charm. Fast-paced in growth, sweet peas unfurl memories of yesteryears' idyllic, riotous gardens, invoking a nostalgic embrace. These floral relics, handpicked for their resplendent hues and intoxicating aromas, epitomize vintage elegance. Yet, it was under the skilled hands of Scottish nurseryman Henry Eckford that sweet peas attained their modern glory, his pioneering efforts birthing a plethora of cultivars during the late 1800s, forever enriching the floral tapestry of horticultural history.
