When I was kid there was a farmer's supply store where we would go to buy plants, seeds and whatever else was needed for our home gardening needs. We had moved into a newly minted tract housing development which was still in farm country. I used to love the seed room. I would wander around in there literally amazed at the variety of seeds on display. There were bushels of corn, baskets of onions, and drawers of everything else imaginable. I'd see farmers chatting it up with the people working, and other farmers. It left an indelible impression on a young kid. It was a community gathering place and the seed room workers were key communicators in that community.



Alas, the place no longer exists. My last visit to the seed room was a bit of a disappointment. The suburban boom had taken over, the forerunners to the big box retailers were coming of age, and this incredible experience for a wide eyed child would no longer be available.



Today, faced with the onslaught of GMOs, seed stewards keep the tradition alive that the long gone seed room represents. There are many heirloom varieties of fruits, vegetables and flowers that are in danger of becoming extinct as large boo-technical companies hone in on the seed supply. Think about this, if a corporate entity controls the flow of seeds they determine which seeds are sold, which means what's more profitable for them, and not what's good for the planet or food supply. And they would control a good deal of the food supply

The good folks at the Organic Seed Alliance is one group that focuses on seed stewardship;

Organic Seed Alliance is founded on the belief that seed is both our common cultural heritage and a living natural resource fundamental to the future sustainability of food production.



They hold events such as State of Organic Seed Symposium, have publications available, and do research.



If you are interested in buying heirloom seeds, you can go to Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. They have a extensive collection of seeds and are active in preserving the heirloom varieties for future generations. The publish the Heirloom Gardener Magazine, and have a seed history site, Heirloom Seedsmen. Spend some time, and become fascinated by the beauty of heirloom varieties, and why it's so important to support this movement.



There are other programs out there, Google seed stewardship and see what you can find that inspires you. Seeds are our common heritage as the Organic Seed Alliance states. Just think of harvesting the same type of fruits, vegetables and flowers that people of generations before enjoyed. The wonder and amazement will be the same, a shared experience crossing over generations of the past, and into the future.