SEED CATALOGS ARE HERE...DREAM, PLAN, GET MOTIVATED

 

Many gardeners have been inundated with year 2024 garden catalogs during the holiday season and they've just piled up somewhere. But now that we're in the doldrums of winter, pull them out and give your spirit a boost and think ahead to spring.

Though the last frost date is a few months away, now is the time to start thinking and getting a rough idea of this year's garden plans. Hopefully you've taken notes last season on what worked and what didn't in seed and plant selection, crop rotations, and pest removal ideas.

Though you can buy what seed and plants you'll need at any Agway or farm supply store, if you're into heirloom seeds, new hybrids, or just want a great variety in which to choose, then catalogs are the answer and between now and the end of February is the time to get those orders in.

Below are a few very good gardening catalog companies. They offer a wide choice for gardeners seeking organic and heirloom seeds and plants.

THE COOK'S GARDEN
http://www.cooksgarden.com/

Now owned by Burpee

This company specializes in seeds and plants for gourmet gardeners. A true kitchen gardener's inspirational catalog. Not only do they offer a wonderful selection of vegetables, herbs and flower seeds and plants, they give information needed on how to grow for best results. Offered is a nice variety of lettuce types and mesclun blends, very gourmet. Tucked in are some very tasty recipes to encourage you to try new things.

THE FRAGRANT PATH
http://www.fragrantpathseeds.com/

This is a small company specializing only in seed orders. Don't expect a glossy, thick catalog. What they do is send a very personalized newsletter reflecting on their garden experiences with the seed they sell and a suggestion list of what is new. The seed isn't for the vegetable garden. Rather it is for annual, perennial, and biannual flowers, herbs, vines and flowering shrubs and trees. Great for those into fragrance or color themed flower gardens. Very quaint family company.

PINETREE GARDEN SEEDS
https://www.superseeds.com/

Pinetree Garden Seeds is a catalog with a bit of everything. They not only offer a great selection of vegetable and flower seeds, there is a section of vegetables for the cultural gardener. You can try Asian, Continental, French Italian, Latin-American, and Middle Eastern varieties. Listed are your Spring bulbs, tubers and plants such as rhubarb, asparagus and strawberries. Cover crops, sprouting seed, ornamental grasses, and herbs are all here. What is really cool is they offer such fun things such as soap making and body care supplies, gift ideas, unique books, and of course any gardening accessory or tool you may need.

TERRITORIAL SEED COMPANY
http://www.territorialseed.com/

A very well organized supply of organic, heirloom and rare plants and seeds. Each section has detailed educational information on the needs of each plant type, such as culture, disease, insects, harvest and seed specs. Loaded with what you may need in terms of natural fertilizers, irrigation, composting, disease and pest control. For those interested in preserving their harvest, there are plenty of supplies and how-to books offered. Just a wealth of information.

SEEDS OF CHANGE
http://www.seedsofchange.com

100% certified organic, this company is dedicated to help reconnect people with where their food comes from and how it is grown.  By donating organic seeds through a program called Sowing Millions Project, they've inspired many individuals to become passionate about growing their own food. Selection includes rare and heirloom seeds along with traditional, great for those into sustainable organic gardening and farming.

VERMONT BEAN SEED COMPANY
http://www.vermontbean.com

As expected, the Vermont Bean Seed Company has a variety of bean selections, but they certainly don't stop there. Catering to the consumer who seeks healthy food choices, they offer all you need for the environmentally conscious gardener. New this year is The Vermont Bean Garden Planner Software. They even offer a 30 day free trial. Based on your zip code, it becomes a personal tutorial for your own garden success.

BOUNTY BEYOND BELIEF
http://www.bbbseed.com/

BBB Seed is a small, family-owned company located in Boulder, Colorado.  They provide high quality, open-pollinated, Non-GE (genetically engineered) seed. BBB Seed specializes in wildflower seeds, pollinator mixes, native grasses and heirloom vegetable seeds. They strongly encourage heirloom seeds to avoid the common trend of mono crops where only one seed type is used to produce a worldwide crop. We now know this type of growing weakens genetic variations that can withstand emerging pathogens and climate changes.

NATIVE GARDENER'S COMPANION
https://www.prairiemoon.com/

Prairie Moon Nursery presents this guide for readers of all experience levels to learn about popular native plants and seeds.  Most of the species offered are plants that had once thrived across the Upper Midwest and Northeast regions of North America. Insects are very plant-specific in their needs.  People have to realize that to attract the birds and butterflies, that includes attracting insects as well.  This catalog is perfect for those who want plants for more than just an ornamental pretty flower.

GARDENER'S SUPPLY COMPANY
http://www.gardeners.com

This is just a very fun catalog! Great for gift ideas for the gardeners on your list. This company shows you how you don't need a lot of space to enjoy a garden. Awesome ideas for container plants, bedding boxes and trellising to utilize small areas. Garden sculptures, gazing balls and bird supplies are all in there. Interested in composting or starting a worm bin, or maybe conserving water with a rain barrel?

GARDENS ALIVE
http://www.gardensalive.com

A catalog for the environmentally responsible gardener. Loaded with information and supplies on how to prepare and take care of your lawn and garden safely and responsibly. A must for the organic gardener or homeowner who desires a beautiful yet nontoxic lawn and flowerbeds.

STRICTLY MEDICINAL SEEDS

http://www.strictlymedicinalseeds.com

Certified organic, open-pollinated & GMO-free goods. Hand-picked seeds, rare seeds,, medicinal and aromatic plants, shrubs, vines and trees. Amazing selection for the herbalist.

Sing a Song of Goldenrod, The Truest Bit of Gold

"Afire'

Willow trees are turning,

Maple leaves are burning,

Goldenrod's afire!

Fairy torches glimmer,

Woods are in a shimmer

And the flames leap higher!

November rain is all in vain

Down, down, it dashes.

O goldenrod! Goldenrod!

You've burned the woods to ashes.

Angelina W. Wray

Throughout the world, there are 125 species of goldenrod and 90 of these are found throughout North America. The top-to-bottom flowering of the spike-shaped goldenrods may be connected with their competition for attracting the attention of insects. As the autumn season progresses and flowers become sparse, the goldenrod is one of the few flowers left. 

The fascinating praying mantis can often be found amidst this perennial plant. In fact, it is said that the best place to find mantis egg cases is on the dead stalks of goldenrod. This is due to the fact that goldenrod is such a magnet for many flying insects drawn by the color, scent and nectar in these small aster-like flowers. 

Interesting is the fact that white-tailed deer have no desire for the taste of goldenrod, which is great since so many native plants are at risk for decimation from the overpopulation of deer. 

The generic name, Solidage, means "to make whole". In the world of plant medicine goldenrod certainly has its place. The Chippewas called it gizisomukiki which means "sun medicine".

It has been used for stomach issues, kidney health, pass stones, help with nausea, heal wounds and help with bronchitis and diphtheria. The leaves were chewed to help soothe a sore throat. 

The roots were made into a poultice for toothaches.

 The leaves were used for teas and wine and the more aromatic species were sought after at a high price back in the 19th century. 

People used to use the flowers to make yellow dyes for cloth. 

For people who see this wildflower as just another weed should know that it is actually the state flower of Kentucky and Nebraska. Perhaps the fact that it is so common and grows along the roadside, in meadows and fields is why people don't appreciate it. Or it could be because it is often blamed for contributing to the misery of hay fever, when in reality it is ragweed that is the culprit. They both just happen to be in bloom at the same time.

In the 19th century, goldenrod was a symbol of the United States. It was said to symbolize a country where the people rule, for many tiny flowerets are needed to make a prefect head, just as in our country there are many races to form this wonderful nation.

"The Last Walk in Autumn"

Along the rivers summer walk,

The withered tufts of asters nod,

And trembles on its arid stalk

The hoar plume of the golden-rod

John Greenleaf Whittier 

Here is a bit of information on ragweed

Here is more information on the uses for goldenrod

And last, for those who enjoy plant stories:

All Summer long, while other plants are flowering, goldenrod is steadily raising its single stalk towards the sky. Finally, around the middle of August the golden-yellow spires appear. Both a staff and a spire are included in the picture. It is like the tarot card showing a man walking along a road with a heavy burden upon his back, a walking staff in his hand. His head is bent down, so that he does not see a church spire rising in the distance which shows that is destination is within reach. The massage of goldenrod is to endure in order to reach the goal.

by Matthew Wood 

"The Book of Herbal Wisdom"