On Sat, 12 Jul 2003 18:06:25 +0100, "rmw"
wrote:

Hi Pat,
pot leeks are a type of leek that was bred for showing, rather like show
dogs and cats, a super leek I suppose. when they are put on show they have
to be a certain size, and the white part has to be so large and so on.
prizes are awarded to the best leek. hope this helps you.

Ah. I see. Thanks.

We actually do have judgings of home-grown vegetables and
fruits at fairs here (USA): many of our counties
(especially in rural areas) have an annual fair. People are
awarded blue, red, etc. ribbons as prizes. I don't know if
there's any money awarded.

But leeks are not nearly as popular here as they are in the
UK. I don't *think* that gardening - in general - is as
popular here as in the UK.

Our climate might have something to do with that, it's much
more difficult to garden in many areas of the USA (I think)
than it is in the UK. We have extremes of both heat and
cold (often in the same place!) that are unknown to the UK.

Pat