[Ian J]

I think that most holiday souvenirs are a bit tacky so don't normally bother but I have my own type of holiday souvenir as I bring back seeds and pips and try and grow them here.

This started about three years ago when we stayed in a villa on the Algarve with a massive garden and I took some almonds from the tree growing there and planted them at home and I now have a two foot almond tree growing in the garden.

The following year the place that we stayed in had a few fruit trees and having pinched a lemon for the gin & tonic I brought the pips back home and now have a small lemon tree. There was also a huge rambling apricot tree and an offspring from that is now growing in our conservatory.

Pride of place was given to the two Frangipane cuttings that I brought back from my sister's garden in Sydney which I managed to grow but sadly they died when I left them outside whilst we were away in October never believing that we would have frost that early. That is a shame as although you can get Frangipane trees in Europe I did want the reminder of our Australia holiday.

The remainder of my souvenir collection include a lime tree grown from a lime that I picked up in Marbella public gardens and I am trying to grow dates from stones that I "harvested" in Lanzarote.

I don't suppose anyone else does this do they ?

[Iccz]

Usually if we bring stuff home it's something like a hand made jug or plate, usually from a small local factory come museum, not a stupid commercial plastic "toy" that you can pick up for 2 euros in a sourvineer shop.

My Grandad often does what you do with seeds etc and tries them out back here.

[loz]

Just remember there are controls on bringing in plants and seeds especially from none EU countries...

Defra, UK - Plant Health - Travellers concessions

[Ian J]

Originally Posted by loz

Just remember there are controls on bringing in plants and seeds especially from none EU countries...

We got caught by customs in Australia taking foodstuffs into the country which is against the law and I received a lecture in front of loads of other people.

The foodstuffs that were exposed on their X ray were wrapped Christmas presents comprising one packet of pasta willies and a tin of chocolate breasts

[loz]

Originally Posted by Ian J

The foodstuffs that were exposed on their X ray were wrapped Christmas presents comprising one packet of pasta willies and a tin of chocolate breasts

[loz]

I did bring back some Protea seeds from South Africa, but had no joy with them in the Thames Valley.

But my dad grew some from the seeds in Western Super Mare.

[Rorifett]

Originally Posted by Ian J

I think that most holiday souvenirs are a bit tacky so don't normally bother but I have my own type of holiday souvenir as I bring back seeds and pips and try and grow them here.

Hehe wonder how many AVFers have tried this after a trip to the 'dam?