The art of gardening

hudson valley seed library cosmonaut volkov cropped

There are a handful of interesting things about the Hudson Valley Seed Library. A few of them:

+ It started at the Gardiner Public Library in Gardiner as a "lending" program for seeds -- people could check out seeds, grow the plants, and then return saved seeds.

+ It's dedicated to "growing, harvesting, and celebrating" heirloom varieties of vegetable, herbs, and flowers -- including many varieties with connections to New York.

But the first interesting thing you'll probably notice about the Hudson Valley Seed Library is that it has beautiful seed packets. The company commissions artists to design the seed packets in a range of media -- here's the page that collects all the designs (there are many) -- and the work really make the packets feel special.

Here are a few examples that caught our eye...

hudson_valley_seed_library_cosmonaut_volkov_tomato.jpg

Cosmonaut Volkov Tomato - art by Will Sweeney

hudson_valley_seed_library_glimmer_lettuce.jpg

Glimmer Little Gem Lettuce Mix - art by Jessica Poser

hudson_valley_seed_library_radiant_radishes.jpg

Radiant Radish Mix - art by Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson

hudson_valley_seed_library_kaleidoscope_carrots.jpg

Kaleidoscope Carrots - art by Martha Lewis

hudson_valley_seed_library_chives.jpg

Chives - art by Sarah Jacoby

hudson_valley_seed_library_zinnia.jpg

Gift Zinnia - art by Nancy Blum
____

The seeds are available by mail order. And we've also spotted them at a few retail locations around the Capital Region, including Honest Weight in Albany and Faddegon's in Latham.

Earlier on AOA: A bunch of years ago Jess recommended these seeds as a holiday gift

Comments

Side note: You have until March 18 to submit to be one of the pack artists for next year!

http://www.seedlibrary.org/blog/call-for-pack-artists-2015/

perty

I've been using HVSL seeds for several years, and have always had good results.

Last month, the Capital Region Arts Center showed some of the original art works that were chosen and turned into seed packets for 2015. It was really neat to see them up close and how they translated into the packet.

I also gave away HVSL Art Packs for my wedding favors. They made a lovely display!

In short, I'm a big fan of these products. :-)

Better yet, you can also buy some of the Hudson Valley Seed Library art in print form for framing at affordable prices.
http://www.seedlibrary.org/fine-art-prints.html

Also, the Art Center of the Capital District in Troy does an annual exhibit of the original art, usually in February.

I've been a fan for awhile. They are great!

-Lauren

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