A Seed Saver's Garden

[heirloomgal]

also says it will grow in clay and damp areas. annual. not sure i want to deal with more of those.

I guess a flower which doesn't grow in one's area is considered of value or a curiosity, even when it is ubiquitous and even unwanted elsewhere. Sort of like irises and lupine flowers; in parts of Canada irises just go by the name 'ditchflowers' because they grow like weeds. But because in my area we don't have them, people pay $15 to get one at a greenhouse. Some people think that is sort of like buying daisies!

 

[Pulsegleaner]

I guess a flower which doesn't grow in one's area is considered of value or a curiosity, even when it is ubiquitous and even unwanted elsewhere. Sort of like irises and lupine flowers; in parts of Canada irises just go by the name 'ditchflowers' because they grow like weeds. But because in my area we don't have them, people pay $15 to get one at a greenhouse. Some people think that is sort of like buying daisies!

Well, on the flipside, just because something SHOULD be able to grow where you are because it is native doesn't mean it WILL. Every field guide to plants of the Northeast I have ever gotten has said we are dead in the middle of the area where Dutchman's Breeches should grow. Ad since pretty much ALL our property is shade (and in the case of the shade garden, fairly moist) our land should be near ideal conditions for them. And yet every attempt by me and my family to grow it has failed utterly; it hasn't ever even made it out of the ground.

Or, in more pedestrian views. You know I hunt (or used to hunt) unusual seeds in bags of beans I would get from Chinatown and the Indian supermarkets. Well, a fair number of the "weeds" I would find are things that, here, people actually pay money for seed packets of for their garden. Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) Love in a Puff (Cardiospermum halabaractum) Japanese morning glory (Impomoea japonica), all are things that one might purposely plant in one's garden. (and in the case of Love in a Puff, might actually have to do some active searching for to get). But there, they are noxious weeds.

In a lot of places, people pay big money for spicebrush bushes (Lineria benzoin) Here, they're all over the place.*

And, of course, there are a couple of thing that are noxious weeds even here that I plant on purpose because I think they are pretty, like wild pansy (Viola arvestris)

 

[heirloomgal]

Well, on the flipside, just because something SHOULD be able to grow where you are because it is native doesn't mean it WILL. Every field guide to plants of the Northeast I have ever gotten has said we are dead in the middle of the area where Dutchman's Breeches should grow. Ad since pretty much ALL our property is shade (and in the case of the shade garden, fairly moist) our land should be near ideal conditions for them. And yet every attempt by me and my family to grow it has failed utterly; it hasn't ever even made it out of the ground.

Or, in more pedestrian views. You know I hunt (or used to hunt) unusual seeds in bags of beans I would get from Chinatown and the Indian supermarkets. Well, a fair number of the "weeds" I would find are things that, here, people actually pay money for seed packets of for their garden. Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) Love in a Puff (Cardiospermum halabaractum) Japanese morning glory (Impomoea japonica), all are things that one might purposely plant in one's garden. (and in the case of Love in a Puff, might actually have to do some active searching for to get). But there, they are noxious weeds.

In a lot of places, people pay big money for spicebrush bushes (Lineria benzoin) Here, they're all over the place.*

And, of course, there are a couple of thing that are noxious weeds even here that I plant on purpose because I think they are pretty, like wild pansy (Viola arvestris)

So true. I have some Chinese Lanterns in a perennial bed, which most people fear for their mint like spreading tendency, But I struggle to keep mine going, let alone spreading. All the factors in the micro-climate of that particular bed don't lend to its success. Which I guess is not the worst scenario with this plant.

 

[Alasgun]

We’ve got plenty of Iris and Lupines. The lupines flower longer than the iris and aren’t so messy.

the peculiar thing about the iris is that the biggest patches (over an acre each) grow in the tidal affected zone of cook inlet.(salt water imersion perodically)

Anyone wanting some simply shows up with a sharp shooter and a bucket and help’s themselves.

 

[jbosmith]

I think I have a few of those... like everywhere. I actually considered putting a sump pit in the rural garden. Would have too, if it wasn't someone else's property.

My community garden plots are in a flood plain and the river comes to visit every few years. One year, after a fairly minor flood, when I was trying to save some peas for seed, I took a post hole digger and dug down to the sand layers. It worked so well that my neighbor's wood chips all floated over into my plot as the water went down the hole!

 

[flowerbug]

I guess a flower which doesn't grow in one's area is considered of value or a curiosity, even when it is ubiquitous and even unwanted elsewhere. Sort of like irises and lupine flowers; in parts of Canada irises just go by the name 'ditchflowers' because they grow like weeds. But because in my area we don't have them, people pay $15 to get one at a greenhouse. Some people think that is sort of like buying daisies!

we do have wild irises here (purples and yellows). the ditch mower took out the nice bunch of yellow ones i had out front and i'm not sure the purple ones are still in back. will have to check that next time i'm over that ways.

 

[heirloomgal]

@jbosmith @Zeedman Thank you both so much for your mention to me of the seed exchange, without your help jb I wouldn't have even known about the recent changes, so would not have even considered joining, and zeedman for your wisdom and insight in light of my significant hesitations. I have had such a fantastic time over the last months connecting with other gardeners across the country, sharing (paper!) letters, e-messages and seeds. I have met so many nice gardeners and I've been able to share out quite a lot of seed with people. I am so glad I joined, it has been a lot of fun. Beyond my expectations! I've probably covered nearly all my garden expenses for the year, or close to it, too.

Here's a couple beans that a generous gardener sent to me. I have no idea if I will be able to get them to maturity (she lives rather South of me), but she sent me such a nice assortment I'm going to give it my best try. Limas have proven difficult for me in the past. I can't figure out if it's a long, but cooler, season they're after or a hot, long season. Seems like everyone I've asked has a different opinion. Anyway, not only do I love the beans, I love the names too!

Henderson Red

Black Jungle Butterbean

Ping Zebra

Callisto - (not sure if it is 100% stable)

Morden Midget eggplant seedling. Despite the gnats, these seem to have pulled through pretty well without much stunting. One things I'll say about Pro- Mix, the gnats don't like it and are not going in those pots it seems. Transplanting them proved to be a good decision.

I knew one of the eggplant varieties was a thorny monster, but I couldn't figure out, or remember, which one. I have now found it.

I just love variegation. Plant just gets prettier as it grows.

Casa Aquaria. Normally I don't let them grow peppers indoors because it often stunts them, but this one is an ornamental and I have more than one, so I'm going to let it go. The only tedious thing with starting peppers early is keeping the flower pinched. Gnats have been after these in a huge way, but they've mostly managed. The new little leaves grew after I poured a neem oil/water mixture actually INTO into the pot.

I got lucky with some fresh parsley seeds from the rack. They sprouted much faster than I expected.

Soaking some chufa for planting tomorrow. These ones seemed drier than the last bag, so I don't know if they'll sprout. I guess we'll see.

 

[Zeedman]

So glad to hear you've enjoyed your SoDC adventure. I was a little afraid that the number of requests might have been overwhelming. I think your efforts will energize Canadian seed saving to SoDC & beyond for years to come.

Henderson Red

Henderson is a short(er) season bush lima, so that variety probably has the best chance of success. I believe all of the other limas are pole. Limas need both heat & a fairly long period of it to mature, so you will probably need to start them as transplants... which also lessens the chance of rotting in cool soil.

 

[flowerbug]

So glad to hear you've enjoyed your SoDC adventure. I was a little afraid that the number of requests might have been overwhelming. I think your efforts will energize Canadian seed saving to SoDC & beyond for years to come.

Henderson is a short(er) season bush lima, so that variety probably has the best chance of success. I believe all of the other limas are pole. Limas need both heat & a fairly long period of it to mature, so you will probably need to start them as transplants... which also lessens the chance of rotting in cool soil.

@Zeedman i think you are confusing Henderson Red for Henderson Baby Lima (which are bush beans but the seeds are white and not as shown in the above picture). i don't know the habit of Henderson Red (i tried to find out no luck there).

also the Callisto looks like Flossy Powell. i needed a longer season for those so definitely plan to start them early in pots.

 

[Zeedman]

@Zeedman i think you are confusing Henderson Red for Henderson Baby Lima (which are bush beans but the seeds are white and not as shown in the above picture). i don't know the habit of Henderson Red (i tried to find out no luck there).

No confusion... Henderson Red is listed in SSE as a bush lima.