Hudson Valley Seed Packets
Because winter won't last forever
The AOA elves are back to help you with your holiday shopping. For the next couple of weeks we'll be bringing you fun, interesting, local gift ideas for the holiday season. Today Jess kicks things off with flowers and veggies from the Hudson Valley Seed Library.
These aren't your -- excuse the pun -- garden-variety Burpee packets. Think varieties like Kaleidoscope carrots, Green Zebra Tomatoes, and Dragon's Tongue Beans.
The Hudson Valley Seed Library, based just down the Thruway in Ulster County, is dedicated to preserving heirloom varieties of fruits, vegetables and flowers. They also work to create an accessible and affordable source of regionally-adapted seeds, and by 2011, they expect to offer over 60 varieties of locally grown seeds and around 100 varieties sourced from responsible seed houses. By 2014 the aim is to be 100 percent certified organic.
The packets are beautiful, designed by artists from the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas, and are printed with eco-friendly inks on recycled paper. Each packet is its own little work of art and is frame-worthy. So it's basically two gifts in one. I'm especially digging the art of Martha Lewis on the aforementioned kaleidoscope carrot packet, and the rainbow chard packet designed by artist Sheryl Humphrey.
And besides, when it's cold and miserable here in upstate New York, any reminder of spring is certainly a boon, no?
What?
Artsy seed packets from the Hudson Valley Seed Library in Accord.
Who is it for?
Your friends with the community garden plot, your Michael Pollan-worshipping brother, or, well, pretty much anyone with a little dirt or a fire escape big enough for a container garden.
Where can you get them?
Online at the Hudson Valley Seed Library's website. Check out the full holiday catalog here. They also had a table at last year's Winter Wonderlark during the Santa Speedo Sprint.
How much?
The packets are sold ala carte at $3.50 a piece, or in sets of 16 for $56. Themed gift packs of 8 packets, such as the Old World or New World collection, are also available. Those sell for $31. There's some other fun stuff for sale on the site too, including t-shirts, more gift baskets and gift memberships that support the seed library's efforts.
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Comments
OMG! Want!
But like most things I want, I will probably buy them and send them to green-thumbed relatives. Yum!
... said Albany Jane on Dec 2, 2010 at 12:09 PM | link
Green Zebras are totally delicious -- and kind of cute. Just like real zebras? My SO gew some (the tomatoes, not the African mammals) this year and they were awesome.
... said B on Dec 2, 2010 at 12:58 PM | link
I wish I could visit a store or something so that I could buy these in person.
... said TroyGirl on Dec 2, 2010 at 2:05 PM | link
TroyGirl - if you feel like making a trip down the Thruway, around Exit 18, you can buy them in person.
... said jess on Dec 2, 2010 at 2:18 PM | link
This almost makes me want to take up gardening. Those Dragon's Tongue beans would be a huge hit around these parts. It's a shame I don't like digging in the dirt and (besides for children) have never managed to keep anything alive.
... said Daniel B. on Dec 2, 2010 at 2:33 PM | link
I am dedicated to turning my tiny balcony into some semblance of a garden this year, and they have a tiny spaces gift pack, awesome! Thank you, I would never have known about them, and any chance I have to shop locally makes me happy!
... said Amy on Dec 2, 2010 at 3:15 PM | link
Oh, holy gorgeous and green stocking stuffers!! Buying online now.
... said meierrain on Dec 2, 2010 at 4:59 PM | link
As gifts, seed packs for herbs or greens can be grown in pots on window sills or front steps for people who don't have garden plots.
... said chrisck on Dec 2, 2010 at 6:34 PM | link
Just found the post. Thanks so much for letting folks know about our seeds! There are stores that carry them, but none yet in Albany. If you have suggestions for local stores you think might like to carry our seeds, let me know and I'll work on it. Thanks again for supporting small farms and local seed with your gift giving this holiday season.
... said Ken on Dec 3, 2010 at 7:37 AM | link
I used HV Seed library seeds for my first foray into veggie gardening last spring! Love them!
... said Green Peccadilloes on Dec 3, 2010 at 10:55 AM | link
Ken, it would be awesome if you could get get the Honest Weight Co-op to carry your seeds!
... said Tess on Dec 3, 2010 at 4:30 PM | link