http://www.seedlibrary.org/
The Hudson Valley Seed Library strives to do two things:
- to create an accessible and affordable source of regionally-adapted seeds that is maintained by a community of caring farmers and gardeners; and,
- to create gift-quality seed packs featuring works designed by New York artists in order to celebrate the beauty of heirloom gardening.
In 2011, we expect to offer over 60 varieties of locally grown seed and around 100 varieties sourced from responsible seed houses. Most of our varieties are rooted in the history and soils of New York or are chosen because they do well here. Every year we plan on growing additional varieties on the Seed Library farm and contracting with organic and certified naturally grown farmers in the Hudson Valley and upstate New York to grow even more varieties. Our membership program provides a way for backyard gardeners to make a vital contribution to this effort. By 2014, we aim to be 100% New York grown, though certain tricky biennials may be holdouts for a few years beyond.
Who are the people behind the Seed Library? The farm and business are run by partners Ken Greene (on right in photo) and Doug Muller (on left). Our friend Linda-Brook Guenther of Back to Basics helps us regulary with seed-packing, organizing, order processing, and farm work. We are often helped by other folks, including Erin Enouen of Second Wind CSA, Nancy Campbell Muller, Aileah Kvashay, Jacinta Bunnell, Carrie Schapker, Michael Asbill, Peg Lotvin, and lots of other good people in the Hudson Valley.
About our Seed Packs
We offer three different types of seed packs.
Our Art Packs are each designed by a different artist from the greater New York region (this includes upstate New York, the Hudson Valley, the City, Northern New Jersey, and Connecticut). Each pack celebrates the beauty inherent in heirloom gardening. Click here to see all the art packs and to learn more.
Our Library Packs contain seed that was grown by member farmers and gardeners. We grow most of this seed at our own farm in Accord, New York, and we are helped by about fifteen farms that are part of our seed-growing network in the Hudson Valley.
Our Garden Packs contain seed that was obtained from wholesale seed suppliers. We do not source seeds from companies owned or operated by corporate biotech interests. Over the next several years we hope to dramatically decrease our reliance on outside suppliers in favor of seed produced on our own farm and by local growers.
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