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What's in a name

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by Adam Pasco

I knew the silly season was in full flow when a list of the UK's Top 10 Vegetable Surnames landed in my intray...

Adam PascoWe probably all know a Rose, Heather or Hazel, and I have friends with children named Sorrel and Daisy, but do you know a Zucchini?

I knew the silly season was in full flow when a list of the UK’s Top 10 Vegetable Surnames landed in my intray, and there, at No.10, was the surname Zuccini (proudly held by 17 families!)

If this list is to be believed, there are 59 people in the UK called Garlic, 2,843 Onions, and even more Leeks. Pepper is popular, at No.2, with 4,919 families, but top of the heap is Bean. Perhaps no wonder it’s the top vegetable surname given how many different varieties of bean there are – broad, French, runner, soya, Fava, borlotto… I could go on, but really don’t think I should.

For those eager to know, the top ten vegetable surnames are as follows:

1 Bean (8224)

2 Pepper (4919)

3 Leek (3118)

4 Onions (2843)

5 Garlic (59)

6 Swede (40)

7 Pea (37)

8 Sprout (21)

9 Broccoli (17)

10 Zucchini (17)

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Talkback: What's in a name
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Gardeners' World Web User 18/08/2009 at 12:42

How about the cricketer Graham Onions? Or the actor Sean Bean?

Gardeners' World Web User 18/08/2009 at 12:43

Oh and Cubby Broccoli (James Bond movies)

Gardeners' World Web User 19/08/2009 at 10:13

Ah yes, of course. Sadly, not personal friends. And we'd have to add Mr Bean to that list, too.

Gardeners' World Web User 19/08/2009 at 14:25

Of course, there's that very popular kids character Mr Potato Head, too, but now I'm getting into dangerous cartoon territory! Who knows where this could take us.....

Gardeners' World Web User 21/08/2009 at 11:27

question reaqlly i have a centre bed plant bizzy lizzies petunias geraniumsevery year this year lots slug damage leggy plants are there any other plants i caan plant that dont loose there attraction perenials ect thinking heucras as they all round show help!!!!!

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