What is your favorites. I like R.H. Shumway. They have heirloom seeds, a lot of hard to find varieties. The prices are very reasonable. I also like Park Seeds. They have a large selection, and except for the snail vine (vigna caracalla), they usually have everything in supply. I have ordered the snail vine as soon as I get my catalog for the past 3 years and they are always out. I think I will try to get it online and see if I have any luck. This year I added a new one, Harris Seeds, and I don't remember which others I have ordered. It's a great way to pass the time while waiting for spring. Also most of these catalogs are a wealth of information on plant culture. It is why I recognize so many of the plants on the ID forum. Endless hours thumbing through a new seed or plant catalog, what could be more fun on a dull cold winter's day.
I mostly use bulbs, rather than seeds, and prefer to pick those out myself at the carden centers to be sure I get good ones... the result is I'm not very familiar with seed catalogs (yet). It sounds like it would be just dreamy to read through them (and dangerous to the pocketbook as well). :-D
I like Native American Seed.... http://www.seedsource.com they specialize in native Texas plants. And Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.... http://www.southernexposure.com they specialize in Heirloom and organically grown seeds. This is the place I bought the Organic Green Cotton seeds from several years ago. Since I will have a greenhouse (of sorts) next spring I can have fun with catalogs this winter.
I rarely use seed catalogues but when I do want any I get them from Wiggly Wigglers as they have lots of wildflower seeds. :-D I buy all my plants and bulbs when I go to see friends in Holland as they are 1/3 of the price here. Sadly we couldn't afford a holiday this year. We are hoping to go over there next spring though.
I love Park Seed. Their stuff Leaps right out of the ground. The "counted" seeds always have a few extra. Seeds of Change is a good place for old varities. I usually end up "needing" something from Thompson and Morgan which in my opinion is a snob place. They don't have it now but the first time I ordered from them the order blank said "please fill in Relevant totals". What other kind would you be filling in? Why, I never.
I tried ordering bulbs online for the first time this year, feeling completely clueless as to whom to try. Van Dycks was not too impressive, did not include any planting instructions so I had to look up the depth, etc. of each kind online and took extra emails and a phone call to get what I asked for...and then the bulbs were only average to small. Brent and Beckys Bulbs were, by contrast, outstanding! - you even get a little plant marker with each kind and the bulbs I got were fat and healthy. I will not be bothering with Van Dycks again but most certainly will dream over B and Bs catalog next round. I still think the *very* best way to get them is to pick them out by hand from the gardening center - otherwise you really have no control over what shape the bulb you get will be in.
I love to daydream through catalogs, but never order from them anymore. Too many bad experiences. I agree, support your local plant center if you can. I have one within my driving ability, thankfully. Wish I was more informed about all the details, I'd just go ahead and open up my own plant place. O well.
I have to agree with Critterpainter I've had way too many bad experiences also but I do love to look through Park Seeds and Burpee catalogs.
Just found my favorite catalog, called The Cook's Garden. Love the artwork and insights in it. If I ever do try to brave the mail-order market again, it'll be because of this one. Even has recipes! www.cooksgarden.com
Looks like a great catalog Critterpainter. I'll have to get back over there later and really check it out. Thank for the website.
I've seen Park Seed Catalogues and agree that they are very interesting to look at. Here in Canada I like the Stokes Seeds Catalogue for my veggies and Versey's for the flowers/bulbs/seeds but have yet to order from Versey's. I love to browse the garden centers around here in the spring (been to every single one for MILES!) and usually end up getting my stuff from the closest one! Seed catalogues perk me up when they arrive and there is a few feet of snow on the ground...gives me HOPE that spring is on it's way
I order my seed mainly bc I like to get them early and start them in my little makeshift greenhouse. We have such an early spring and that way I can have them in the yard quicker. The nurseries don't always get there seed that early. Netty, I have ordered from Vessey's and was very satisfied with their service, I think I may have tried Stokes but don't really remember for sure.
I used to make an order to Parks & Stokes.I could spend hours pouring over those & T&M.Seems like Parks isn't like it used to be.(What is,I guess ?)<smile> I love to look at White Flower Farm but think it is too rich for my blood.There are 4 or 5 things I must have that aren't available on racks.I order from Swallowtail Farm or Summerhill seeds on line. Doris
