Earlier this summer, I said that I was going to list all of my seeds in my Etsy shop this fall instead of tackling a big giveaway. I managed to get the containers book done almost a week early, though, and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate before diving into the next one than indulging in some seed-sharing, even if it’s on a somewhat smaller scale. This time, I’ve also come up with something for those of you who don’t “do” seeds.
Seeds First
It’s still early in the collecting season, and I don’t have a huge amount of seeds yet, but I should be able to send at least one packet per person. I encourage you to give me several alternate seed picks too, in case your first one isn’t available or I’m able to send more than one. This offer is open only though Friday, September 5, 2014. (I’ll be donating any of these that are left, as well as my later-ripening seeds, to the Hardy Plant Society/Mid-Atlantic Group’s Seed Exchange. It’s not too late to join HPS/MAG if you’d like to get access to their seed list this winter.)
I’ll fill requests in the order that I receive them, so the quicker you can get yours to me, the better your odds of getting your first choice. I’ll cover the postage this time; all you need to do is email me at nan@hayefield.com with your request and your mailing address. I’m aiming to confirm all requests within 24 hours and fill them by September 7th, which means that you should get yours by mid- to late September.
Here’s the list, followed by a picture gallery of the offerings. (Clicking on any of the images should give you a slideshow of larger versions.) I’ll let you have the fun of searching the web for more complete descriptions and germination information.
- Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ (cow parsley). White flowers; near-black foliage. Perennial.
- Aquilegia x hybrida ‘Black Barlow’ (columbine). Near-black flowers. Perennial.
- Astrantia major (masterwort). Pale pink flowers. Collected from a plant that has creamy yellow foliage in spring; not sure if these seeds will carry the same trait, but I’m guessing that they will. Perennial.
- Borago officinalis ‘Bill Archer’ (borage). Blue flower; white-variegated leaves. Annual. Small quantity.
- Bupleurum rotundifolium (thorough-wax, hare’s ear). Yellow flowers. Annual.
- Ceratotheca triloba ‘Alba’ (white South African foxglove). White flowers. Annual.
- Commelina communis f. aureostriata (variegated dayflower). Blue flowers; white-striped foliage. Annual.
- Datisca cannabina (false hemp). Greenish flowers, dioecious; pinnate foliage. Shrub.
- Emilia javanica ‘Irish Poet’ (tassel flower). Orange flowers. Annual.
- Fritillaria meleagris (checkered lily). Reddish purple or white flowers. Hardy bulb.
Geranium maculatum ‘Espresso’ (wild geranium). Pink flowers; chocolate-brown foliage. Perennial.None left; sorry!
- Helleborus x hybridus Hayefield Hybrids (Lenten rose). Mixed colors and flower forms. Perennial.
- Isatis tinctoria (dyer’s woad). Yellow flowers. Biennial or perennial.
- Lathyrus sativus (grass pea). Blue flowers. Annual vine.
- Lathyrus tingitanus (Tangier pea). Pink flowers. Annual vine.
- Lavatera trimestris (annual mallow). Large pink flowers. Annual.
- Nicotiana suaveolens. Tiny white flowers. Annual.
- Nigella damascena ‘Cramers’ Plum’ (love-in-a-mist). White flowers; reddish purple pods. Annual.
- Orlaya grandiflora (white lace flower). White flowers. Annual.
- Papaver ‘Lauren’s Grape’ (poppy). Pinkish purple, single flowers. Annual.
- Papaver ‘Swansdown’ (poppy). Very double, frilly white flowers. Annual.
- Petunia exserta. Red flowers. Annual.
- Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Penndragon’ (pole bean). Purple-striped green pods great for fresh eating; found here at Hayefield. Edible annual.
- Phaseolus vulgaris ‘True Red Cranberry’ (pole bean). Large, cranberry-colored seeds for use as a dry bean. Edible annual.
- Sanguisorba armena (burnet). White flowers; blue foliage. Perennial.
- Sanguisorba tenuifolia ‘Alba’ (white Japanese burnet). White flowers. Perennial.
- Smyrnium perfoliatum (perfoliate Alexanders). Yellow flowers. Monocarpic perennial.
- Tinantia erecta (widow’s tears). Pink flowers. Annual.
- Tagetes patula ‘Moldova’ (marigold). Red, orange, and yellow flowers. Annual.
- Vigna unguiculata ‘Pretzel Bean’ (cowpea). Curiously curled pods. Edible or ornamental annual.
- Zea mays ‘Field of Dreams’ (corn). Green foliage striped with white and pink. Annual.
- Zea mays ‘Glass Gem’ (‘Glass Gem’ flint corn). Multicolored kernels. Annual.
Two Other Options
Don’t see anything of interest seed-wise? I’ve made the Kindle version of Tried and True Perennials available for free from September 1 through September 5th. You can find it at Tried and True Perennials. You don’t have to own a Kindle device to read it; on the book’s Amazon page, look for the “Free Kindle Reading App” feature on the right margin to download the app for your smartphone or tablet or read the book right in your computer’s browser. I have to admit that it has only half of the photos of the print version, and they’re at a lower resolution than I’d like, but hey, it’s free.
And/or, you can get 50 percent off of Hayefield notecards on Etsy with the coupon code SEPT2014 (U.S. shipping only), from September 1 through September 5th.
I hope you’ll find one or more of these offerings of interest: my way of thanking you for taking the time to visit and read!
Generous and kind, Nan, as always. Thank you for sharing so much with so many!
Thanks, Clark – I was very happy to be able to work this out!
-Nan
Yes!
I can smell a seed giveaway a state away–thank you, Nan!
Hah! A true seed geek; that’s fantastic.
-Nan
I don’t know how you do it! What a generous offer and I know it will make many people happy. I would love a few, but looking over at the counter with its little stack of seed packets (which should have been planted a couple weeks ago…..) tells me I probably shouldn’t add anything :)
There were some beautiful browallia Americana plants in the garden this year thanks to you. They dried out a little too much where I planted them, but hopefully next year I can find a better spot.
Your pictures are again amazing, if I had to pick a favorite it would be the red cranberry beans peeking out of their pod!
Have a great September
If you change your mind, Frank, there’s still time, though I see I already have over 50 request emails to open….
-Nan
Nan, your generosity is over the top. Thanks.
It’s my pleasure, really. I can’t resist collecting seeds, but there’s no point in doing it if they don’t get passed along!
-Nan
I have had my eye on the Orlaya grandiflora. If you have any of the Astrantia major left, that would be nice also. Thank you for the offerings.
Hi Paula. Could you email me with your mailing address? Not sure I still have it. Thanks!
-Nan
I’m moving (downsizing), so I’ll pass. I enjoyed reading your seed list and seeing the photos for me to think about my next garden.
I’m so glad to hear from you, Freda; you’ve been on my mind. When you are ready to start your next garden, let me know and I’ll send you whatever seeds you’d like.
-Nan
You’re so incredibly generous! I had great success with the seeds you sent me last year so will try again. My first pick would be smyrnium perfoliatum, if possible, and astrantia major is my second pick. Thanks again.
Hi there, Laura. It’s wonderful to hear that you had good luck with last year’s seeds. Could you email me with your mailing address? Many thanks!
-Nan
Thanks for your continuing generosity, Nan. I’m going to skip your kind offer of seeds this year as I have a major change pending in my garden and I know I’m going to be too distracted to focus on seedlings. I will try a download of your book, though, as I need ideas for planting my soon-to-be lawn-free front yard.
Oh my, Kris – I hope the major change is a good one. Maybe you’ll be ready to try more seeds next fall. In the meantime, I hope you like Tried and True Perennials. As I said, there are a lot more photos in the print version, but the text is pretty much the same in both.
-Nan
Thank you!! I have downloaded your book – I’m sure I will enjoy it as much as I enjoy your blog.
That’s great, Susanne. I hope you like it!
-Nan
Nan, Awesome deal on your Etsy site! I just ordered 2 boxes of note cards– one to keep and enjoy and one to actually write and send to friends. I did finally figure out how to apply the coupon code… whew! Thanks for your generosity!
They are on their way, Kate. Enjoy!
-Nan
What generosity! The seeds arrived, each in its neat little packet. I have just put the “Wild Geranium” into the ground. It brought to mind Robert Frost’s little poem, “Putting in the Seed.” And the copy of “Tried and True Perennials” is lovely–you’re right–it’s better than seeing photos on the small screen of my electronic device. It’s wonderful, too, to see that the book was printed in the US instead of China!
Thanks for the personal note,
Verna
I’m so happy that you liked the surprise. I wish you the best of luck with all of the seeds.
-Nan
Well, I missed the seed event this year, but that’s ok. You inspire me as always, this time to get out there and save some of my own. I’ve been gathering seeds for the American Primrose Society seed exchange, but I don’t usually put much else away for the next year.
Sorry about that, but I’m glad to hear from you, anyway. There’s still plenty of time to collect this fall, so have fun!
-Nan
The seeds arrived beautifully packaged and beautifully labeled. I am now in the delicious time of researching germination information. I’ll think of you each time I look at the plants. Thank you for your generosity.
Loretta
Isn’t it terrific how seed exchanges gives us fun three times over: when we order, when we open the package, and when we research what we’ve received? I hope the seeds behave well for you, Loretta.
-Nan
Nan, what a kind and giving person you are. The seeds arrived and I am so thrilled to have them. Even though I love the beauty of snow, and I miss the silence of sleeping landscapes, I feel very fortunate to be in San Diego now. It means that I can plant some of these seeds right away. Thank you again, and may God bless you.
JenniferRuth
Great to hear that they arrived, Jennifer. I hope you have lots of fun and great success with the seeds!
-Nan
Thank you so much for your generosity.
I received the seeds I had requested.
You’re most welcome, Niren. Have fun!
-Nan
Thank you, Nan – I received the seeds a few days back, and I’m looking forward to next spring and planting time.
Thanks for letting me know, Lisa. Have fun!
-Nan
Hi Nancy!
Hope you’re well my dear! :)
What a wonderful opportunity! I love the exchange of seeds!
I also participate each year in an exchange between friends and fans!
You really are very pretty to propose!
if you want I also would have many seeds to propose to exchange
Let me know if I can still participate
A big hug!
Tiziana
Hello, Tiziana! It’s so nice to hear from you again. I hope you are having a wonderful time in your garden. I’m afraid that I’ve already sent out all of the seeds I collected for this year’s giveaway, but maybe we can trade next year!
-Nan