2008 Catalog and Seed Sale

Come get your copy of our first ever print catalog!

Here at the Gardiner Library it feels like spring has sprung! Seeds, some in colorful packs, others in small jars and containers, have taken over the main table and are overflowing to adjacent bookshelves. The full-color Seed Saver’s Exchange packs really brighten up the stacks and the bulk seeds and seed for borrowing are reminiscent of an old-fashioned apothecary shop.

To see the full list of available seeds go to our new revamped website www.seedlibrary.org. Click through the pages of the site to see the exciting developments in store for 2009 including online ordering, online seed swap, and our vintage seed ephemera collection.

Don’t forget- in addition to free seeds, members get discounts on pre-packed seeds, seed saving workshops, and can receive free heirloom gardening advice. Membership is only $10 per year and we have enough free seeds to go around. Memberships support our not-for-profit seed saving work.

Our goal for 2008 is to sell out of everything from other seed companies so we can start fresh with our own locally grown seeds. February 4^th-8^th is our early-bird special for library patrons and anyone on our email list, like you! On February 9^th we will be at the Winter Sun Farm Market in New Paltz where hundreds of local folks have been flocking to buy local winter produce. For info and directions to the market visit www.wintersunfarms.com.

Seeds for Sale

Are you drooling over those full-color glossy seed catalogs from across the country? Can you almost taste the fresh ripe tomatoes as you get ready to place your order? My hope for 2008 is that people’s new-found passion for eating locally grown produce will expand into their own gardens. Growing vegetables and flowers with local seed helps preserve valuable plant diversity as well as the fascinating stories that come with these seeds. I’m excited to be working with local artists who are designing the first original Seed Library seed packs. We are creating beautiful seed packages that reflect the uniqueness and diversity of our seeds.

Seeds and Seed Library memberships are available at the Gardiner Library starting February 4^th. Seed can also be purchased at the February and March Winter Sun Farm Markets at Deyo Hall in New Paltz. There is currently no printed catalog, but a list of varieties available for 2008 can be received by emailing Hudson Valley Seed Library at info@seedlibrary.org.

Upcoming seed saving events include a two-day seed saving workshop as part of the Permaculture in Action series at SUNY Ulster in February. Seed Saving and Permaculture go hand in hand- this workshop wil show why and how to integrate seed saving into permaculture landscapes. In May, I’ll be giving a talk called The Full Circle Garden: Seed Saving for Backyard Gardeners, at the Catskill Native Nursery’s Wildflower Festival. The talk will cover easy planning for seed saving, best heirloom plant choices for beginners, seed saving tips, and simple seed storage ideas. The Seed Library will also have a table at the festival with seeds, membership information, and books and vintage seed ephemera to browse and buy.

Check back to the blog to keep up to date with Seed Library events.