Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Seedy Subjects! => Seed Exchange => Topic started by: Carolyn on April 28, 2021, 09:28:13 AM

Title: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Carolyn on April 28, 2021, 09:28:13 AM
Seeds are starting to ripen in the garden and I have just made my first collection of this year. Fingers crossed for a really good seed exchange next winter.
I attended an excellent zoom seed lecture by Diane Clements a few weeks ago. She gave a useful tip for seeds from spring ephemerals which really germinate best if sown fresh, such as Corydalis malkensis. Store them straight away in glassine envelopes (that’s the sort which the seedex uses to send out seeds) and they retain viability much better. Store them somewhere fairly cool - I use a cupboard in a north-facing room.
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Diane Whitehead on April 28, 2021, 06:30:48 PM
Cool might be OK, but not cold. 

Some early flowering plants shed seeds before the embryo has completed its growth and they finish during the warmth of the summer.  Putting them in the fridge can stop embryo development.

Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Maggi Young on April 28, 2021, 08:43:57 PM
Cool might be OK, but not cold.

Some early flowering plants shed seeds before the embryo has completed its growth and they finish during the warmth of the summer.  Putting them in the fridge can stop embryo development.


Indeed, Diane,  most  bulbous species in particular can be damaged by putting  too soon into the  fridge for storage.  In many cases the  enmbryo has  to complete its development once the  seed  has left the  plant.
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Carolyn on April 28, 2021, 09:32:35 PM
Diane, by cool I mean currently about 14C, rising to about 16C in summer. Not Canadian ‘cool’ which might be colder! I just wouldn’t leave the seeds in a sunny room where the temperature rises more.

I now have 2 packets of seeds for the seedex - the hepatica seeds are ripening too.
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Tristan_He on April 28, 2021, 09:43:12 PM
What is other's opinion of donating these type of seeds to the seedex? Generally I don't bother doing so because I think it's important to sow them really fresh, and by the time seed is distributed in January it's really a bit late. I never order them for the same reason (and also because I have had too many Corydalis seeds in particular from different seed sellers that I believe were probably dead when I received them).

Am I mistaken in this opinion?

Also wondering if we could use the forum to exchange Corydalis seed with each other?
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Diane Whitehead on April 28, 2021, 10:12:05 PM
A number of years ago, someone developed the Ephemeral Seed Exchange.  We'd send everyone a list of what we had to offer, and then would mail the seeds to individuals who requested them.

I have some triliums in bloom now that I received as seeds in 1995.
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Carolyn on April 28, 2021, 10:43:09 PM
What is other's opinion of donating these type of seeds to the seedex? Generally I don't bother doing so because I think it's important to sow them really fresh, and by the time seed is distributed in January it's really a bit late. I never order them for the same reason (and also because I have had too many Corydalis seeds in particular from different seed sellers that I believe were probably dead when I received them).

Am I mistaken in this opinion?

Also wondering if we could use the forum to exchange Corydalis seed with each other?
Tristan,
I have had some success with seedex ephemerals, for example, Eranthis hyemalis which I treated with GA3 and several Corydalis sp from the extensive list offered in 2019 - 20, including Corydalis nobilis. I have also had reasonable success with hellebores, and Thalictrums.
As I said, Diane Clements swears by storing in glassines for these.
Diane, as for an ephemeral seedex, I would love it if there was one, but the difficulty is finding volunteers who are able to commit the time and effort at a busy time of year. I’m happy to do seedex stuff in winter, but not in summer!
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Diane Whitehead on April 28, 2021, 10:57:51 PM
As I recall, there was no organizer for the Ephemeral Exchange.  Someone started it, but from then on, the members just posted messages, emailed their requests to the individuals offering the seeds, and the seed offerers then mailed the seeds out.

We didn't have a Maggi.
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Gerdk on April 29, 2021, 08:48:22 AM
I am not sure whether I missed a a corresponding message but I would like to know
if there is a seed distribution outside the United Kingdom planned/possible.

Nevertheless I started to collect seeds because 'hope dies last' !

Gerd
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Carolyn on April 29, 2021, 08:52:13 AM
 No, Gerd, you didn’t miss any message. I think the answer to your question is that we still don’t know yet - things may change and become clearer later this year. Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Tristan_He on April 29, 2021, 10:15:53 AM
Hmm... definitely worth thinking about. I would be willing to contribute in some way, maybe even run it, but would need some advice from wiser heads! I'm thinking that any such exchange would be fairly small (and therefore easier to run) because the number of eligible taxa is small.

Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Gerdk on April 29, 2021, 12:57:44 PM
Carolyn & Tristan,
Thank you both for this encouragement!

Gerd
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on April 30, 2021, 08:57:23 AM
Speaking of dry Corydalis seeds, out of 4 species from the 2019/2020 exchange, 2 germinated and here is their flowering:
Corydalis bulleyana
[attachimg=1]

Corydalis foetida
[attachimg=2]

I did not succeed Corydalis nobilis on my side in dry seeds :). Afterwards, I am not very good at sowing compared to you.

fresh seeds would certainly be better because germination was poor, I only have one plant of each, but I no longer hesitate to test dry Corydalis seeds anyway and keep the seedling pot 2 spring.

I would be too unhappy to no longer be able to benefit from the exchange !!!
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: wooden shoe on June 28, 2021, 02:22:12 PM
No, Gerd, you didn’t miss any message. I think the answer to your question is that we still don’t know yet - things may change and become clearer later this year. Fingers crossed!
Hi Carolyn,
We are now halfway the year. Is there any news about an International Seed Exchange for the end of 2021? It is not very motivating to collect seeds without knowing if they will be used and distributed.
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Carolyn on June 28, 2021, 03:38:20 PM
Rob,
I will find out if anyone in the seedex team has further information. I am sure there will be a mainland UK seedex of some sort, but I am not aware of any updated info on the international side.
I have been busy saving seeds and hoping for the best!
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: wooden shoe on June 28, 2021, 03:45:54 PM
Thank you for your efforts. Let's hope we will get a normal international Seed Exchange back again. It was surely missed last year.
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Carolyn on June 30, 2021, 06:39:03 PM
Rob (and all other seedy folks),
The seed team is still negotiating about sending seeds to other countries, the situation still seems unclear. Richard, of the seed team, will give an update very soon.
In the meantime, keep collecting, and keep your fingers crossed.
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on July 01, 2021, 07:30:25 PM
Hello all Seedy people,

I will try and make this simple, which is very difficult as nobody really knows the rules for certain, and they do keep changing.  Current details will be given in our Dryas booklet which comes with our Journal and will be posted in the next few weeks.  Thereafter any further changes to these details will be given here and on our website.

We hope to be able to operate a near-normal seed exchange for members, but of course it remains subject to Covid and legal restrictions which might apply to people meeting together over the seed distribution period in January 2022.

We have been concerned that Seed Donations this autumn would be limited by new phytosanitary regulations, but we now understand these will not be implemented by the UK government until 2022, so we expect to be able to receive seed donations into the UK from all countries in the world.  So please keep saving seed, and send it to us.

Seed orders made by members in England, Wales and Scotland are expected to operate normally.

Seed orders made by members in EU countries (and Northern Ireland) are affected by new EU Seed Regulations, which will require phytosanitary certification for seed entering the EU and NI from the UK.  These apply to each order and are expensive, and may make it prohibitive for these members to order seed.  However, if an EU-based member was prepared to receive all EU orders, separate them and post them onwards within the EU then only one phyto certificate might be affordable and cover all shipments.  If any EU-based member (or members) is/are prepared to help, then please contact me directly by email at seed@srgc.org.uk or Personal Message, otherwise we may have to refuse EU orders this year.

Seed orders made by members in the Rest of the World are unaffected by these changes; we will send seed in accordance with your country’s regulations, as advised by you, similar to previous years. Australia and New Zealand have banned lists of seeds, and the USA have a Small Lots system. Japan require phytos and this is probably too expensive for the small number of members in Japan to pay.

I hope this gives some useful basic advance information.  Please see the full text in Dryas which will be mailed out shortly in the usual way.

Richard Green
SRGC Seed Distribution Team Manager
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Carolyn on July 01, 2021, 11:06:09 PM
Thanks for that, Richard, it seems reasonably encouraging. Let’s hope we have some European volunteers to help make this work.
Now we all need to save seeds, and make this the best exchange ever, after the disappointments of last year!
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on July 02, 2021, 08:01:36 AM
the seeds would arrive in Europe already assembled with their envelope for each individual shipment or all the seed bags arrive together and it would be necessary to make the envelopes here?

 and that corresponds to how many orders on average?
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on July 02, 2021, 11:20:28 AM
Hi Veronique,
We do not know the answer to that question yet, we are in talks with our inspection people.  We hope that we could send postal envelopes containing orders of either 16 or 25 seed packets.  In 2019/20 we sent out 130 orders to 14 different EU countries.
 
Title: 75TH SRGC SEED EXCHANGE 2021-2022
Post by: Maggi Young on July 24, 2021, 07:28:49 PM
From the Seed Teams : 75TH SRGC  SEED EXCHANGE 2021-2022

We are very pleased to announce that over the coming winter we hope to be able to operate a near-normal seed exchange for members. This will be in real contrast to the 74th, very limited, exchange, but of course it remains subject to Covid and legal restrictions which might apply over the seed exchange period.

We have been concerned that Seed Donations this coming autumn would be limited by new phytosanitary regulations, but we now understand these will not be implemented by the UK government until 2022, and so donations from outside the UK will not require phytosanitary certificates this autumn. Please do read the detailed text on seed donations below before sending seed to the exchange.

Covid restrictions in the UK meant that it would have been impossible to run a normal seed exchange in 2020/21, as the seed reception, packeting and distribution processes all require teams of people to work together to complete each stage of the exchange. We hope that Covid regulations will not affect the forthcoming exchange, but we’re sure you will all recognise that we cannot predict what the circumstances will be over the coming winter.

Parts of the seed distribution will be affected by the new EU Seed Regulations, which will require phytosanitary certification for seed entering the EU from the UK. We are exploring the implications of this with the UK and Scottish authorities, and hope to be able to offer seed to EU members. We will post information on the SRGC seed website as soon as it is available. If there are members in EU states who might be willing to receive a bulk order of seed to despatch to other members in their country/EU, we would be pleased to hear from you (email seed@srgc.org.uk).

Overseas members who do not live in the EU are unaffected by these changes; we will send seed in accordance with your country’s regulations, as advised by you.

Seed Donations (Autumn 2021)
Please send fresh clean seed as early as possible (no later than 31st October) to Ian and Carole Bainbridge (see the Team subsection at the bottom of this item for the address). Late seed can be accepted if a list has been received by post or email by 31st October. The seed list will be compiled on 1st November, so late seed may not make the exchange.

On each packet please write the full name of the species, where it was collected (if wild), and your name or initials. Put all seed of one type in one packet, using small packets when possible (avoid big packets!). Supply a list of donated seed in alphabetical order. Note your email, phone number and membership number in case we have queries, and provide comments on any new or rare seed.

Wild Seed
The reputation of the SRGC is at risk if we offer seed that has been collected illegally or does not have distribution permission. This could harm future attempts by people who want to collect seed legitimately. The SRGC is not able to check seed submissions, so please do not submit wild collected seed that would put our reputation at risk. Please also retain the documentation giving any relevant permission for as long as possible.

Seed Lists
All members (except those with paperless subscriptions) will receive a seed list automatically by post in late November. Ensure your membership is renewed promptly to ensure you receive a seed list. The request system will be live until 15th January, which is the closing date for receipt of all seed orders. We encourage all members to both order and pay using our online system to save unnecessary administration time. If you do not have access to a computer yourself (or someone to help input your order), then please contact the Seed Request Manager Chris PARSONS for assistance as early as possible and certainly before posting your order.

Online ordering
The 75th seed list will be available on the website from 21st November at www.srgcseed.net. Please log on with your email address and the password you created last year. If you’ve not logged in previously, or forgotten your password, you will be able to create or reset it when you try to login. If you haven’t used the online portal before, please use it this year, as the system is very simple. The portal will then open for orders on 30th November.

Seed Packeting
Packeting will be done during November / early December. The Ayrshire group would be very grateful to hear from any UK member willing to volunteer to packet seeds (see appeal lower down this post).

Seed Distribution (Early 2022)
The West of Scotland Group will manage the distribution for the first time. Full details of the arrangements for ordering seed will be included in the seed list and on the website. Orders on paper are discouraged, but if necessary, they must reach the Seed Request Manager, Chris PARSONS, by 14th January 2022.

The seed distribution will begin in mid-January and all main requests will be sent out by late January. Donors’ seed requests are completed first, then non-donors' in order of their arrival date followed by surplus seed requests (see page 10 for the benefits of being a donor). This means that main and surplus requests are sent out separately and may arrive a few weeks apart.
The whole distribution should be completed by the end of January. Please allow for delays in the postal system, waiting until after 9th February before enquiring. All seed correspondence, lists and queries can be sent to seed@srgc.org.uk. We will ensure that emails reach the relevant manager.

USA
Members from the USA must have an import permit, which is issued by APHIS, see:https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-information/permits/plants-and-plant-products-permits/plants-for-planting/small-lots-seed.

This must be a ‘small lots’ permit, as this does not require UK phytosanitary certification. Please apply for your permits ahead of the exchange to ensure there is no delay in getting your seeds to you. Permits are valid for three years so if you are using an old one please check it is valid to the end of February 2022. You must email or enclose a copy of the permit and conditions with your request. Each numbered green/yellow customs label may be used once only; please send one for each request - one for a main request, and one for each surplus request of 50 packets.

If you order seed online, you must still send the permit documents and labels to Chris PARSONS, as soon as possible - preferably to arrive well before 14th January 2022 (or you may send them to Ian and Carole BAINBRIDGE with your seed donation). We must stress that “no permit, no seed” is the SRGC rule! We will do our best to get everyone their seed, but it must be in compliance with USDA regulations.

Australia, New Zealand
There are lists of allowed/banned plant taxa. Please check your request against these BEFORE placing your order. Customs may bin or return your whole order to SRGC if it includes any banned seeds.

Japan
A phytosanitary certificate is required by Japan for imports. All the seeds must be examined by a UK inspector; his/her time is charged to the client. This charge is high and is payable by the member. Seed exchange for Japan has therefore been suspended.

All EU Countries (and Northern Ireland)
Unfortunately, following Brexit, all EU countries now require a phytosanitary certificate for each incoming parcel of seed (as for Japan). The cost is prohibitive, but if an EU-based member was prepared to receive all EU orders, separate them and post them onwards within the EU then only one phytosanitary certificate might be needed and could cover all shipments.
If any EU-based member (or members) is/are prepared to help, then please contact Richard GREEN, otherwise we may have to refuse EU orders this year.

Other overseas members
Please check with your authorities whether your country has any seed import requirements. Let us know what we need to do and send any necessary documentation. We do wish to comply with any laws relating to seed imports.


The Seed Exchange Team
You can contact any of the managers at seed@srgc.org.uk
Seed Reception Managers:
Ian and Carole BAINBRIDGE, Luckie Harg’s, Anwoth Road, Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas, DG7 2EF, 01557 814141

Seed Packeting Manager:
George WATT, Burnside, Littlemill Road, Drongan, East Ayrshire, KA6 7EN, 01292 592445

Seed Distribution Team Manager:
Richard GREEN, Cedar Cottage, Balfron Station, Glasgow, G63 0SQ, 07714 227509

Seed Request Manager and Seed Accounts Treasurer:
Chris PARSONS, Lorbottle Hall Lodge, Whittingham, Alnwick, Northumberland, England, NE66 4TD, 07486 386288

THE VALUE OF DONOR STATUS
When seed distribution comes around, the SRGC Seed Exchange has a particular sequence for fulfilling your seed requests.

First, we do all the main requests, and the first picks always go to the donors of seed for that year’s exchange. We sort the donors into a priority ranking; put simply, the donors who have sent the most seed for the most years will have their requests fulfilled first. The calculation we do means that if you send us 100 packets plus and it’s your first year of donating to the exchange, you’ll still be pretty close to the top of the list. In general, we like you to send five packets of seed to qualify for donor status, but if you send us a big packet of Ranunculus lyallii for example, we’ll be very happy!

If yours is a family membership, you qualify for two donor picks at your donor ranking. This means it’s better for you to send us one donation on behalf of your family rather than separate smaller donations from each of you, and it’s easier for us to administer in the seed reception process.
Second, we fulfil the non-donor main requests. These are processed in the order of the date of their arrival, so it is an advantage for non-donors to send in their seed requests quickly.
Third, after the cut-off date for receipt for seed requests, we will fulfil the surplus requests. These are also done in the order of the date of their arrival, so it is an advantage for members wishing surplus seed to order quickly. Please also remember that by this point, many of the numbers will have been exhausted, so send us plenty of alternatives on your surplus request. Again, a family membership qualifies you for two surplus orders if you wish.
So, donate some seed this year and enhance your chances of getting the seed you want from the SRGC Seed Exchange.

AN APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO PACKET SEEDS
For new members of the SRGC, ‘seed packeting’ is the process of placing donated seeds into small glassine envelopes for later distribution. It is the middle process of the SRGC Seed Exchange and is of vital importance. Last year we had only just enough volunteers to cope and are therefore anxious to recruit new volunteers. It has been agreed that participants need not be members of the Club and that friends of members would be more than welcome to take part.

Please do consider joining the team. Detailed instructions will be given. Contact the Seed Packeting Manager: George Watt (01292 592445, seed@srgc.org.uk, Burnside, Littlemill Road, Drongan, East Ayrshire, KA6 7EN).
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: wooden shoe on July 27, 2021, 08:17:19 AM
That's good news Maggi, thanks a lot for everyone who makes this possible.
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Claire Cockcroft on August 03, 2021, 04:50:30 PM
Yes, that's very good news.  I've passed along the message to others who are active seed collectors.
...Claire
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Maggi Young on September 05, 2021, 01:53:52 PM
From Richard Green :
"As far as I am aware, for Members' information, the situation regarding sending seed into and out of the EU is as follows:

Seed donations to SRGC  FROM members in EU countries.

This year there are no restrictions, we can receive seed from anywhere.  Members should send  donations to Ian Bainbridge as usual.  The UK is introducing reciprocal phytosanitary regulations for incoming seed in February 2022, so what will happen in October 2022 is anyone’s guess at this stage.

 
Seed orders sent BY us TO members living in all EU countries.

Yes, we are planning to batch up ALL the EU seed request envelopes into one (or several) parcels and send them to a helpful EU-based member to mail onwards within the EU.  This means we only need to pay for ONE phytosanitary inspection certificate for all EU recipients – rather than one for every separate member EU seed request.  Phyto certificates will probably cost a couple of hundred pounds each.  This is exactly what NARGS have done for some years – and presumably also AGSBC…

 
If any Member would like to offer to act as a recipient of, say, some or all of the EU countries completed seed requests, and mail them all onwards to recipient members, then we would be very grateful.  Of course we would refund their postage and any other costs. 
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Carolyn on September 29, 2021, 08:17:01 PM
Another evening cleaning and packeting seeds for the seedex. It will be nice to have full use of our table back soon!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on October 04, 2021, 05:23:25 PM
from UE, can we send seeds a little 'sensitive'
eg I have Lophophora williamsii seeds, can I send them?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on October 05, 2021, 09:25:00 AM
Veronique, I don't see that Genus on the "regulated" list
here:   https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/plant-species-by-import-category/import-requirements-for-plants-plant-produce-and-products (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/plant-species-by-import-category/import-requirements-for-plants-plant-produce-and-products)
so you should be able to send these seeds without problems until end of January 2022 when phyto certificates come into force.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on October 05, 2021, 11:15:05 AM
thank you Richard :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: bainbridges on October 05, 2021, 05:14:06 PM
Just a quick post to say that the SRGC Seed Reception is all set up and waiting for your seed donations, SRGC members.   We can receive seed donations from members anywhere in the world (some species restrictions from some countries; check with us at seed@srgc.org.uk if you're in doubt), and hope to be able to send seed to everywhere except Japan this year. 
Thought folks might like to see the set up for the seed reception, so a few pictures have been posted in FB on the Friends of Scottish Rock Garden Club page.
and remember to send your seed to us by the end of the month!

Ian & Carole Bainbridge
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Maggi Young on October 05, 2021, 09:07:52 PM
I appreciate that many of you do not use facebook and instead rely on this site  for your  info re the Club - so I've copied the Bainbridges' photos mentioned in Ian's post, and repeat them here...

[attachimg=1]
Seed collection under way here, seed drying in pots and the gold-panning sieves we use to sort the seed from the chaff

[attachimg=2]
Seed packeted and waiting to go into the exchange

[attachimg=3]
Berkheya purpurea from South Africa, grown from seed two years ago and flowering now

[attachimg=4]
Seed reception bins set up and waiting in the garage

[attachimg=5]
Bins for popular genera of seed, Pulsatillas filling up already
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Maggi Young on October 08, 2021, 03:10:09 PM

Welcome to the SRGC 75th Seed Exchange 2021/22

We are very pleased to announce that over the coming winter we hope to be able to operate a near-normal 75th seed exchange for members. This will be in real contrast to the 74th, very limited, exchange, but of course it remains subject to Covid and legal restrictions which might apply over the seed exchange period.

We have been concerned that Seed Donations this coming autumn would be limited by new phytosanitary regulations, but we now understand these will not be implemented by the UK government until 2022, and so donations from outside the UK will not require phytosanitary certificates this autumn. Please do read the detailed text on seed donations below before sending seed to the exchange. Covid restrictions in the UK meant that it would have been impossible to run a normal seed exchange in 2020/21, as the seed reception, packeting and distribution processes all require teams of people to work together to complete each stage of the exchange. We hope that Covid regulations will not affect the forthcoming exchange, but we’re sure you will all recognise that we cannot predict what the circumstances will be over the coming winter.

Parts of the seed distribution will be affected by the new EU Seed Regulations, which will require phytosanitary certification for seed entering the EU from the UK. We are exploring the implications of this with the UK and Scottish authorities, and hope to be able to offer seed to EU members, including possibly Northern Ireland. We will post further information here as soon as it is available.  If there are members in EU states who might be willing to receive a bulk order of seed to despatch to other members in their country/EU, we would be pleased to hear from you (email us at: seed@srgc.org.uk).

Overseas members who do not live in the EU (apart from Japan) are unaffected by these changes; we will send seed in accordance with your country’s regulations, as advised by you.

Seed Donations (Autumn 2021)
Please send fresh clean seed as early as possible (no later than 31st October) to:

Ian and Carole Bainbridge
Luckie Harg’s,
Anwoth Road,
Gatehouse of Fleet,
Castle Douglas
DG7 2EF
UK

Late seed can be accepted if a list has been received by post or email by 31st October. The seed list will be compiled on 1st November, so late seed may not make the exchange. There are more details of the Seed Exchange in our Dryas Newsletter (July 2021) issued to all of our members.
The seed exchange is open for donation of seeds until October 31st. Seed ordering will be open from first thing (GMT) on 1st December 2021 until midnight (GMT) on 17 January 2022.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Mattb on October 13, 2021, 07:37:15 AM
We are very pleased to announce that over the coming winter we hope to be able to operate a near-normal 75th seed exchange for members. This will be in real contrast to the 74th, very limited, exchange, but of course it remains subject to Covid and legal restrictions which might apply over the seed exchange period.

Hi Maggi,

Can you share a link to where I can download the seed donation form from?

Thanks in advance,
Matt
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Maggi Young on October 13, 2021, 11:07:23 AM
Hello Matt,  there is no special donation form for SRGC seed ex.

N. B. from previous post :  Seed Donations (Autumn 2021)
Please send fresh clean seed as early as possible (no later than 31st October) to Ian and Carole Bainbridge (see the Team subsection at the bottom of this item for the address). Late seed can be accepted if a list has been received by post or email by 31st October. The seed list will be compiled on 1st November, so late seed may not make the exchange.

On each packet please write the full name of the species, where it was collected (if wild), and your name or initials. Put all seed of one type in one packet, using small packets when possible (avoid big packets!). Supply a list of donated seed in alphabetical order. Note your email, phone number and membership number in case we have queries, and provide comments on any new or rare seed.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Mattb on October 14, 2021, 12:39:20 AM
Hello Matt,  there is no special donation form for SRGC seed ex.

That's great, thanks Maggi.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on November 27, 2021, 10:30:16 AM
Oh ! If I understood correctly living in Europe, we cannot have surplus seeds! :(

 It’s very difficult for me to restrict myself to 25 packages. Here I am a little frustrated! As much as I wanted to offer some for a sowing workshop in a small local association.

 finally, this exchange exists again, and it is already a lot! thank you all for your dedication. :) :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: DaveM on November 27, 2021, 12:40:26 PM
Yes, Veronique, you understand correctly and we're really sorry for this inconvenience. As a result of our leaving the EU, the requirement for phytosanitary certificates has complicated arrangements, so we've reluctantly had to restrict orders made by our members who live in the EU to the Main distribution only. We hope that, if all goes well this year, we will be able to allow surplus orders once again next year.

Please also note that we are only able to send bulbils, bulblets, cormlets etc (i.e. 'live material') to members living in Scotland, Wales and England. These taxa are marked by a symbol in the printed list and by 'L' in the online list.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: ian mcdonald on November 27, 2021, 02:52:01 PM
Has the seed list gone out yet?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: ashley on November 27, 2021, 04:46:02 PM
Hi Ian.  If you go to the SRGC Main Site (link top right) then login, you'll find it under the drop-down menu Seed Exchange > Seedlist (https://www.srgc.net/seedlistmember.asp).
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Maggi Young on November 27, 2021, 05:19:16 PM
Hi Ian.  If you go to the SRGC Main Site (link top right) then login, you'll find it under the drop-down menu Seed Exchange > Seedlist (https://www.srgc.net/seedlistmember.asp).

  As Ashley says, the seedlist is now online for SRGC Members 
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: wooden shoe on November 27, 2021, 09:15:33 PM
So the seedlist is already available but online ordering is not possible yet, but will be possible from 1 December. And EU members cannot order surplus seeds. That is a bit of a dissapointment.
As we cannot attend the activivities, the seed exchange is at least an activity where we can join in. But this year not so much as British members, hopefully it will be better next year. I am happy for at least the main order, thank you for everyone who made the seed exchange possible.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Paul Cumbleton on December 01, 2021, 07:16:14 AM
Just done my seed order - thanks everyone involved! One problem - I was unable to enter numbers into the "extra numbers" section which would not accept any input.

Paul
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Gail on December 01, 2021, 08:29:51 AM
I have been able to make up my order including the extra numbers but it has stalled at the payment page. I've clicked deliver to membership address but then clicking the 'next' button doesn't do anything.
Will try again after work.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: fermi de Sousa on December 01, 2021, 09:01:24 AM
Just done my seed order - thanks everyone involved! One problem - I was unable to enter numbers into the "extra numbers" section which would not accept any input.

Paul
Hi Paul,
I found the same thing but if I clicked the "Show Seedlist" button under the "Extras" grid it allowed me to choose extra numbers,
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Leena on December 01, 2021, 11:03:27 AM
My seed order (only main) is done, and everything went well and fast. No problems at all. :)
Very interesting list and many plants from my wishlist, especially Corydalis and Meconopsis. Thank you all so much.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: ashley on December 01, 2021, 11:13:48 AM
Likewise; the process went perfectly.  Many thanks to all involved.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Paul Cumbleton on December 01, 2021, 11:51:21 AM
Hi Paul,
I found the same thing but if I clicked the "Show Seedlist" button under the "Extras" grid it allowed me to choose extra numbers,
cheers
fermi

Many thanks Fermi!

Paul
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Maggi Young on December 01, 2021, 12:49:36 PM
Please email any queries about the  Seed Exchange  to the  Seed Team using this address: seed@srgc.org.uk

Thank you!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Lesley Cox on December 02, 2021, 07:48:11 AM
Where is the Seed List? i've seen nothing about it but an Australian friend said he was looking at it. HELP PLEASE.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Gail on December 02, 2021, 08:06:09 AM
Where is the Seed List? i've seen nothing about it but an Australian friend said he was looking at it. HELP PLEASE.
On the main site Lesley;
https://www.srgc.net/welcome_seed_exchange.asp

Worked for me okay last night (with a little help from my son!)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on December 02, 2021, 08:24:23 AM
Lesley,
to find the list, you must first enter your account with email and password (login key on the right). then go to the seed exchange menu.
 there is a 'seed list' line to see it from a to z, and another line to 'order'.

The order went very well with me. the site is very well designed. I just regret that the phytosanitary certificates prevent us from ordering more packages. the list is so beautiful ...


a big thank you to the team that takes care of the seeds

maybe another year, it would be nice to post a quick note on the forum to indicate that the list is available before December 1st. I will consider doing it next year if I see it. it was only by chance that I realized it.
 This allows you to make your choice (difficult !!!) quietly, and it has for me the effect of a 'catalog of Christmas toys for children': rather pleasant moments.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Lesley Cox on December 02, 2021, 09:48:49 AM
Thanks Veronique. I did some detective work and have found most of what I need and didn't need to ask if I'd looked first. I've yet to make out an order but will sort that tomorrow I hope. You'd think that having belonged to SRGC since 1964 (I think) I'd be able to cope by now. 

It seems that for a change it is easier to order from New Zealand than for such places as Europe or Japan. I am truly sorry that Brexit had messed things up for many people but you will now appreciate some of the frustrations and the sense of deprivation we in the Southern Hemisphere have experienced for years because of our various governments' restrictions. And they will only become more severe over time. But no use going on about them yet again. Life, especially mine, is too short!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: fermi de Sousa on December 02, 2021, 12:59:51 PM
Hi Lesley,
the system is a lot better than a few years ago when we would have to message Maggi to sort it out for us! Sometimes it was something ridiculously simple which would have made her roll her eyes in despair  ::)
But I did need help to re-set my email address on the new site - then everything worked perfectly  8)
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Graeme on December 02, 2021, 02:27:52 PM
Does not recognize my e-mail address - which has not changed since BT first had e-mail

So unable to ask for a password reset - and the saved password I have in firefox is useless

Looking forward to seeing this year's list at some stage ::)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Maggi Young on December 02, 2021, 05:09:24 PM
Advice from the Seed Exchange if there is any problem :

https://www.srgc.net/loginform.asp

 Please note that the Seed Ex. is open until 13th January, not 17th  or 15th as advised earlier. ... it may be an idea to check with the Seed Team  seed@srgc.org.uk to see which is actually correct!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: DaveM on December 03, 2021, 02:18:24 PM
Hi everyone

We've been busy troubleshooting the various problems some members have experienced since the seed exchange opened on Wednesday. I'll try to answer some of the queries that have been raised in previous posts here.

1. 'Email address not recognized'. We are using an entirely new online membership system for the first time and there have been issues in ensuring the validity of some email addresses in merging various databases. If you receive such a message then please send an email to membership@srgc.org.uk and we will enter or correct the address. Once we've done this you will need to reset your password.

2. We've noticed that a few members, particularly in one domain, have not been receiving their confirmation emails which list their completed and paid orders. We're sorry about that but we can confirm that the fault does not lie with our site. If you don't get an email then you can view your completed orders on the 'Order My seed' page - the word ORDERED will be seen against your completed Main/Surplus and your selections will be listed. A copy of the confirmation email that you should have received can be viewed in Membership > My Correspondence

3. Seed List. In addition to the online list, for those who prefer to browse offline, a pdf of the printed list can be downloaded. Clicking on the bold 'pdf' in the text on the Seed List page will initiate download of the file. Similarly there is an MS Excel file and this also contains Google search functions.

4. Problems entering extra numbers. We are aware that some have experienced problems here and we are not sure why this happens. One solution is to use the interactive dropdown list from the button beneath the grid as has already been said. Another solution is to click away from the page and back, or in some cases you may need to log out and back in again and this usually clears the problem.

5. 'Payment process wont move forward'. Again, as before try the suggested solutions above. No data will be lost.

I'll come back to you all to clarify the closing date of the Exchange

Enjoy!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Akke on December 03, 2021, 09:29:11 PM
For EU members, I didn’t change GBP to euro and got the wrong amount ( not 7 euro, but 6 and something). Tried paying again, didn’t work, logged out and in, and everything was fine.

I just hope that next year EU members can send seeds to the Seedex, I’m looking forward to gathering seeds (and beating the ants), last season I was just cutting off old flowers 

Thanks for the great work.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Hali13 on December 04, 2021, 09:39:20 PM
Hi, I understand that I can not order surplus seeds as an EU member because of complications arising from changes in phytosanitary regulations. But can i still order surplus seeds to an address in UK. I guess that should be possible, right?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: DaveM on December 05, 2021, 02:16:38 PM
The online process will allow members to send their surplus order to an alternative address. During the payment process select alternative delivery address and fill in the details.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on December 08, 2021, 07:12:11 PM
The paper copies of this year's Seed List were mailed out to all members (UK and overseas) today, Wednesday 8th December.  Apologies for the delay which has been caused by a combination of several factors this year.  However, as Dave has said previously the Seed List has been available both as pdf, as Excel, and as a dropdown since ordering opened.

We have received more orders than usual this year, but received fewer seed donations, both in number and quantity.  So it is ESSENTIAL to complete ALL your Second Choices to ensure that you are not disappointed.  Please also note that we prefer online ordering and payment, which saves unneccesary administrative time.

Please also make sure that your New Year resolution is to become a Seed Donor next year.  Donors can choose more First Choices, and have the satisfaction of knowing that they are contributing what is probably the best Seed Exchange in the world!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: JohnMcMillan on December 10, 2021, 12:16:51 PM
I've just got my paper seedlist in the post, but it is misprinted. Pages 11-22 are missing and replaced with duplicates of other pages.  No worry.  I can work with the downloadable .xls file, but is there a downloadable .pdf file somewhere?  I can't see it at the obvious place https://www.srgc.net/seedlistarchive.asp.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on December 10, 2021, 05:38:08 PM
Sorry, it seems that unfortunately a batch of seed lists were misprinted, and sent out.  I have spare correctly printed copies, and anyone wishing a duplicate posted out immediately should email me at rkpgreen(at)aol.com.

This year's Seed List is not yet on the Archive page yet because it is still a current list available from a link on the current Seed List page.
Here is the link to a pdf copy:
https://www.srgc.net/seedlists/SRGCseedlist75.pdf (https://www.srgc.net/seedlists/SRGCseedlist75.pdf),
and I have now added some bold emphasis to the link on the Seed List page to make it stand out.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: JohnMcMillan on December 11, 2021, 10:00:02 PM
Thanks. Got it.  I find pdf much easier to work with than either xls or paper.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on December 11, 2021, 10:38:59 PM
I seem to spend my time apologising on this thread - sorry for that!

We currently have logging in errors on our srgc.net website, and we have had these for maybe the last 2 hours. 

Our computer man is on the case (yes, it is after 10pm on a Saturday night!) and he is trying to organise a fix. 

Please bear with us until we can work out the problem, and I shall post again once I hear any further news.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on December 11, 2021, 11:21:29 PM
Sorry guys and lassies, it seems there is a problem with our hosting server.  Our computer man thinks we are going to have to stop logins to our website to avoid causing errors in our seed ordering process.

We have put in a call to the web-hosting company and shall see what they say tomorrow so we can get back up and running as fast as possible, so you can continue to order your seeds.

More news will be posted here as soon as it becomes available.     
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: hwscot on December 20, 2021, 04:44:53 PM
Hi,

Saw the login page was back up. Still getting 'no registered member with that email address'. Anyone else having this problem? (have emailed membership@)

H
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Maggi Young on December 20, 2021, 05:00:29 PM
Hi,

Saw the login page was back up. Still getting 'no registered member with that email address'. Anyone else having this problem? (have emailed membership@)

H
Lots of payment notices for seed coming through, so not a general problem I don't think. Have you changed the email address you registered with, perhaps?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on December 21, 2021, 04:12:11 PM
Online seed ordering is running well, with some intermittent speed problems that we are trying to sort out.

If you get the message as described, it means you didn't previously give us permission to store your email address, as requested on each Journal wrapper for the last couple of years.

To fix this just email us and we shall add your address to the system.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Catwheazle on January 09, 2022, 10:11:56 AM
how long can you still order
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Ian Y on January 09, 2022, 11:06:58 AM
how long can you still order


All the information can be found on the seed exchange welcome page https://www.srgc.net/welcome_seed_exchange.asp.

Where it states  'The last date for placing orders will be midnight (GMT) on 17 January 2022' so there is not very long left to get your requests in.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Catwheazle on January 09, 2022, 11:12:44 AM
Thanks very much! I wasn't sure whether the 17th of January also applies to seed requests from Germany.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Ian Y on January 09, 2022, 11:27:12 AM
Thanks very much! I wasn't sure whether the 17th of January also applies to seed requests from Germany.

Yes just as long as your request is completed online by that date and time.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on January 12, 2022, 12:17:53 PM
Hello everyone,
The SRGC Seed Exchange ordering closes this coming Monday 17 January at midnight GMT, so please make any last minute orders quickly.  Orders are picked in order of receipt, so the later you leave it the less choice of seed there will be.  Also, this year we have had more orders than expected, but we have been given less seed than usual to distribute by donors, so it is important that you give us plenty of Extra numbers to choose if your seed has run out. 
Happy choosing!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Robert Maxwell on January 22, 2022, 01:30:16 PM
My seeds arrived today. Many thanks to the team for all their hard work in getting orders out.  :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on January 22, 2022, 02:17:47 PM
We have now picked orders for most of the Main orders (both Donors' and Members' orders) this last week, and mailed out the UK orders.  We shall be mailing the Rest of World orders this coming week, and moving onto picking Surplus orders.

Of course our European members will experience a delay whilst their orders go through the phytosanitary process, and there will be a further delay (maybe 2 weeks?) before we can mail them out, so please do not ask about your orders for another two weeks.  This is the first year we are sending to Europe under the new rules, so I shall update you when we know more details.

Here are your West of Scotland Team (all suitably Lateral Flow Tested, and masked up) picking your orders:

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Lesley Cox on January 26, 2022, 09:05:26 PM
This is NOT a complaint, merely an observation.

I started my seed application on my laptop and was getting along nicely when the laptop packed up and needed some urgent surgery. I took it in for this and it has been duly fixed and upgraded but in the meantime I can't find what I'd already done of my application.

Decided to wait for the printed copy which I prefer in any case and it did come but didn't arrive (in New Zealand or rather at my address) until 3 days before the applications were to close. I have no doubt this was due to travel, cargoes and other things we can't control in this time of pandemic viruses. Normally UK to New Zealand takes about a week. (It used to take 4 days  max!) so in the finish I decided there was little point in making an application as it would all be closed anyway by the time it got back to the UK.

Probably just as well as I'm in the middle of shifting house and garden and have still seeds to sow from various other sources as well as the garden, but I just wonder whether the printed list assuming one still is produced next year and after, could be posted out a little earlier. I'm not sure what this would involve but put the suggestion forward anyway.

The photo of the seed packet pickers is very nice and I hope all had no trouble with knees and backs.

Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Lesley Cox on January 26, 2022, 09:10:54 PM
I notice above that John McMillan's printed list arrived on Dec 11th. Mine arrived on January 13th.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on January 27, 2022, 11:03:31 PM
Hi Lesley, sorry to hear that you didn't make an order this year.  The full SeedList was actually made available on our website from 1 December (and still is) both in pdf and Excel format.  Printing problems meant that it was not mailed out until 6 December.  However, as always, we made allowances for late receipt of postal orders as against online orders, and we would have been quite happy to make a further exception and offer an email workaround if you had computer problems - as indeed we did for others. 

Covid caused us exceptional problems with hugely late receipt of seed donations from both Australia and NZ this year, so i am not surprised to hear that paper mail is affected in a similar way.

Strangely, there is no sign of any unfinished online order under your name on our system, we did chase up those members who started but didn't finish their orders.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on January 27, 2022, 11:12:35 PM
75TH SEED EXCHANGE 2021/22 - PROGRESS UPDATE
We have now finished picking all seed orders.
All UK orders are now out of or hands and in the mail system.
All non-UK orders (except USA, EU and NI) will be mailed out tomorrow (Friday).
We hope to mail out most USA orders early next week.  If you haven't yet emailed us your USDA APHIS labels them please do so now.
All EU orders will go for Phytosanitary Inspection next week, and I shall give a further update in a few days time.
I hope this update is helpful.
Cheers
Richard
SRGC Seed Distribution Team.
         
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Lesley Cox on January 28, 2022, 01:15:09 AM
Thankyou for your message Richard. I should have looked further into possibilities. But as I said before, I'm almost overwhelmed by seed at present so in a sense, NOT applying was light relief. I'll do better next year and am already collecting seed to send for the next list (Dianthus erinaceus is seeding well as always. Just so painful and prickly to harvest!)
I don't envy you your current job or those of the packers and others. Great people, every one, so generous with their time. Seed growers have so much to be grateful for.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on January 28, 2022, 05:30:12 PM
Yes, there is always next year Lesley!  We shall plan to have the paper list out sooner, but online orders are encouraged and preferred.

SEED EXCHANGE PROGRESS UDATE - Friday 28 January
We have completed most of the USA orders this afternoon (Friday), and these will be put in the mail tomorrow (Saturday).
EU orders will be delayed by at very least by a fortnight due to Phytosanitary Certficate Inspections - more updates later...

Many thanks to all who have donated seed, and helped in reception, packing, picking and mailing.  Especially to the West of Scotland team who toook over order picking from South West Scotland, and the SWS helpers who passed on their years of detailed knoweldge.

To the rest of you, PLEASE decide to help and donate seeds next year - this year's list was limited because we received fewer donations. 
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: fermi de Sousa on January 29, 2022, 11:21:44 PM
To the rest of you, PLEASE decide to help and donate seeds next year - this year's list was limited because we received fewer donations.
Hi Richard,
how are negotiations going with the Govt about the need for a Phyto for seed from outside the UK?
When NARGS was confronted by similar regulations some years ago they got one person in each country to receive all the seed donations and then take them for inspection. Eventually they got the exemption for "small parcels of seeds" which get inspected by APHIS (hence the stickers to go on the seed packages that go to the USA).
What will be required for this year?
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on February 02, 2022, 07:38:56 PM
Hi Fermi,

There are no current negotiations as to phyto certificates for incoming seed.  It is a fact that they are required now.  The RHS is coordinating representations to Government from horticultural societies about introducing a Small Lots Scheme similar to the US version.  We hear that Plant Breeders, and Research Organisations are also asking for something similar.  However, legislation will take a while to implement - even once the principle is accepted.

Yes, I think the only solution for the SRGC and other societies next year is for members in overseas geographical areas to join together and send combined lots of seed to the UK under one phyto certificate.  Who pays these costs, and whether society Seed Exchanges continue to be viable is a subject that will be discussed at some length this coming year......
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Catwheazle on February 14, 2022, 07:57:56 AM
Is there any news about shipping to the EU?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on February 14, 2022, 10:51:04 PM
Yes, the latest news is that the Scottish Government Seeds Inspectors are still looking at the seeds for EU members.  They have been doing this for just over one week so far, and Friday's update was that they "hoped" to have cleared them for phytosanitary certificate purposes by the end of this (second) week.

The seeds will still need to be divided up into individual envelopes, and mailed onwards to our EU members.  Of course, who can tell whether there will be a further delay at the border between the UK and the EU on entry to the EU?  This is the first time we have sent seed under the new rules.

Watch this space - this may still take some time.  Please continue to be patient.......
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Catwheazle on February 15, 2022, 07:07:29 AM
Thanks also for the patient answer
Bernd
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: gordonhogenson on February 15, 2022, 10:48:15 PM
Here in the United States, I got my first seed package from the exchange! Yay! 

However, I see that 12 out of the 50 in this batch sadly did not make it through the inspection process and were "removed and destroyed" by the USDA. Whenever this happens, the USDA inspector will leave a document that explains why. It says, "Seeds found with fungi or other contaminants are not allowed entry per the conditions of your permit."

It looks like the inspection process has become stricter, since I don't remember this happening before. Curious what others in the U.S. have experienced.

Still, lots of good seed arrived intact, so thanks to everyone who donated and helped get them sorted and packaged, especially during the pandemic.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on February 20, 2022, 09:58:10 AM
Gordon, I think that yours were the only seeds to go through the SeaTac (WA) port of entry, so maybe their staff were being particularly careful and over-zealous. 

It goes without saying that we check all seed before packetting and despatch for fungi and chaff etc, so as far as we could say the seeds were clean when they left Scotland.  If you like to email me personally (or PM me) with a list of what you actually received, then I can check what we dispatched to you, and check any remaining seeds for those numbers for any problems.

Comments from other USA members will be welcomed......
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: wooden shoe on February 24, 2022, 10:14:37 AM
Still no seeds here in The Netherlands... I got a request from customs to pay Euro 4.13 for custom clearance without specifying which goods I had to pay for. The tracking number was a UK one, so I guess it is the seeds.
I paid customs one week ago, but still nothing here. All the while the garden starts growing again, including weeds. So regular gardening is continuing, no seeds have been planted during winter, all seeds needing winter dormancy are too late (about 100% of my choices).
I remember good times when seeds arrived at the end of December and mail from the UK just took 3 days.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on February 24, 2022, 11:20:13 AM
No, it is not seeds, the Customs request will be for your Rock Garden Journal.  Brexit means that some EU postal authorities are asking for VAT and an admin fee before delivering this.  Please ask your postal authorities how we should mark our Journal for it to be delivered free to you.  I think that many of our Journals are being delivered free, only a handful are being charged.

Brexit has caused us big problems, and you may not understand that phytosanitary certificates take some time.  See my earlier comment in this thread.  Seeds for our EU members are now being put in envelopes, and I hope that they will be in the mail to you next week.  Please be patient.

I suggest that you check the internet to learn how to cold-stratify your seeds in a refrigerator.  This may enable you to give them the dormancy they require to germinate this spring.

I hope you are pleased that the SRGC are (I think) the only plant society who is sending seeds into the EU this year!     
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: wooden shoe on February 24, 2022, 12:46:53 PM
They are charging Euro 4.13 VAT and fees for the Journal? That is quite excessive.
I do have quite some sympathy for the SRGC and I certainly appreciate the efforts the SRGC is taking to get the seeds to the EU.
But the hassle of the certificates, the incredibly slow mail traffic between UK and EU and the bureaucracy is not making it easier. That is all beyond the powers of the SRGC, so I know it's not your fault. I am very glad you do take the effort to break through these barriers.
I hope I will receive the seeds in the end and mail traffic between UK and EU will normalize.
Thank you for your efforts.

BTW: I am not fond of using the refrigerator method for cold stratification, mainly because the remaining growing period is often too short too build up reserves, but I may try that now for the Lilium. I will sow the bulb seeds in August/September, they keep well for a longer period.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on February 24, 2022, 12:52:02 PM
Rob,
Please complain to your PostNL - it is their own big handling fee plus only a little VAT.  If they can suggest what we write on the CN22 Customs form to avoid any fees, then please let me know and we shall do it.  We want to help our EU members but it is very difficult.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: wooden shoe on February 24, 2022, 01:23:23 PM
PostNL is doing a lousy job for overcharged prices. The little VAT and big handling fee does fit with their practices. I will try to find out how this can be avoided. Once I know I will send you a personal message. Thank you for your support Richard.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on February 28, 2022, 03:34:26 PM
Our EU members will be pleased to hear that we have mailed out all of our orders to EU countries today Monday 28 February.

Huge thanks to everyone who has been involved in the process from start to finish.  It has been a whole new system to understand this year, and this system will continue to evolve as the rules and legislation continue to change and evolve in each country.

Now it's over to the the various national Postal Services throughout the EU, and we hope that they deliver your seeds safely and quickly.

Seeds are being mailed to you from within the EU so there should be no problems with any Customs checks.   
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: ashley on February 28, 2022, 04:12:24 PM
Many thanks for this welcome news Richard, and thanks too to all who work to make the exchange possible and enable EU members to continue to participate.  It is much appreciated.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Catwheazle on February 28, 2022, 04:20:32 PM
I, too, would like to say a big thank you to everyone who is working so hard here
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Gerdk on February 28, 2022, 04:24:05 PM
Many thanks for this welcome news Richard, and thanks too to all who work to make the exchange possible and enable EU members to continue to participate.  It is much appreciated.

The same from me!  Many thanks for your efforts!

Gerd
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Richard Green on March 03, 2022, 09:16:42 PM
I have now heard from one EU member that his seeds have arrived OK.

We are pleased that the system seems to be working, and we hope the rest arrive safely very soon.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: ashley on March 04, 2022, 11:50:44 AM
Received here too Richard, two days ago.  Again, many thanks to you and all the seed team.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Heinz Meyer on March 05, 2022, 05:52:29 PM
The seed arrived today,
many thanks to the entire seed team
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Catwheazle on March 05, 2022, 06:36:19 PM
Today, I got the seeds too. Many thanks again to the helpers!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Jean-Patrick AGIER on March 06, 2022, 10:17:57 PM
Hello!
I'd like to express my satisfaction and thanks to the SRGC & all the staff at the seed exchange! I received my packet of seeds yesterday. I've been patient. I didn't thought it would have been possible because of the many contraints raised by the breixit and the EU customs. But you've finally carried out an amazing feat.
Very big thanks to you all!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Leena on March 08, 2022, 09:58:48 AM
Seeds have also arrived in Finland now  :), thank you so much for all involved and in spite of this taking time I hope seed exchange can be also next year.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Akke on March 08, 2022, 07:43:30 PM
Seeds have also arrived in Finland now  :), thank you so much for all involved and in spite of this taking time I hope seed exchange can be also next year.

Same from The Netherlands, some seedpods are already visible here.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on March 09, 2022, 06:52:01 AM
I received my seeds yesterday. :)

thank you very much to the whole team.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Tomte on March 09, 2022, 09:33:40 AM
Me too, and my sincerest thanks to all who made this tremendous effort to send seeds across EU boundaries. Just so sad I will not be able to sow most seeds before next autumn.. Bloody stupid legislation indeed.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Gerdk on March 09, 2022, 09:38:12 AM
Seeds arrived yesterday - many thanks to all who have taken this immense effort!

Gerd
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: François Lambert on March 10, 2022, 12:24:54 PM
My seeds arrived yesterday :-)

A big thank you everybody who made this possible.

I think I will sow teh seeds needing cold stratification only this fall, I'm not too much a fan of placing seeds in the refrigerator and having them germinate begin of the summer.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: aldo on March 11, 2022, 08:09:26 PM
A beautiful collection of Paeonia seeds has also arrived in Italy. Thank you very much.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: cosine_alpines on March 16, 2022, 08:08:25 PM
Received the last (I think!) of my seed exchange order today in Virginia/United States, via the Linden, NJ port of entry.

No seeds rejected and the inspectors there have been very accommodating when mistakes are made - they called me last year when me or a plant society accidentally reused a shipping label, and intercepted, inspected and forwarded a package this year where the plant society had included my permit number but I had forgotten to send them a shipping label. Appreciate the work of all the SRGC volunteers and donors!

I'm hoping there'll be a system next year where I can still donate seeds, maybe through a US member who then aggregates and forwards seeds for a phytosanitary inspection?
Title: Re: seed exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: MarcR on March 16, 2022, 11:31:01 PM
Indeed, Diane,  most  bulbous species in particular can be damaged by putting  too soon into the  fridge for storage.  In many cases the  enmbryo has  to complete its development once the  seed  has left the  plant.

What you say is generally true; but, some ephemeral seeds [particularly from Amarylidaceae, and Fumeraceae], will sprout unplanted  if not refrigerated.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: fermi de Sousa on April 30, 2022, 09:00:06 AM
.... Appreciate the work of all the SRGC volunteers and donors!

I'm hoping there'll be a system next year where I can still donate seeds, maybe through a US member who then aggregates and forwards seeds for a phytosanitary inspection?
I suspect that something like that will be needed for Australia as well - for sending and receiving because our Customs inspectors are also demanding a Phyto,
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Tomte on July 10, 2022, 03:39:38 PM
I wonder, are there already plans for the next seed exchange in terms of non-UK members, in particular from within the EU?
I have bern sparingly collecting seed so far due to this uncertainty (and lack of time) and wonder whether it’s not better to sow them right away if it’s uncertain if I can participate as a donor..
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Maggi Young on July 10, 2022, 07:05:17 PM
As I understand things, Tomte,  there are plans for the SRGC Seed Exchange to go foward - this from the Seed Team :  We intend to run a normal seed exchange for EU members this year.  We understand that the UK government will not require phyto certificates for seed coming into the UK from the EU until 2023, so it should be okay for you to send seed this autumn.  We will have to get phyto certificates for seed going into the EU, but will follow the same arrangements we used last year. 

For 2023-24, we don't know what will happen....................

Details about the seed exchange will appear in the Dryas Newsletter when it comes with the Rock Garden in July, and will be updated on the website when we have any more information.

With best wishes

Ian & Carole Bainbridge
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Tomte on July 10, 2022, 09:10:26 PM
That’s good news, thank you Maggi. Guess I can’t make good for what I‘ve neglected so far and what the ants have carried away (most of it, really), but there‘s still some seed around I guess  ;)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Tomte on September 24, 2022, 10:09:30 PM
One more question: how is the situation with CITES-listed species like Cyclamen or Galanthus this year? Can I still send them? And is it still possible to include them in my seed order?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: MarcR on September 24, 2022, 11:19:48 PM
Please correct me if i am mistaken; but, I believe that if CITES listed seed is labled garden collected and acccompanied by a verifying photograph, it is exempt.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: bainbridges on September 25, 2022, 11:05:32 AM
Hi folks

CITES seed:  Movement of seed of CITES protected plants is only restricted for plants in CITES Category 1; which is many tropical orchids, aloes and cacti; almost nothing we ever handle fits into CITES 1. You can search on this url to check if you're in doubt.
 https://checklist.cites.org/#/en/search/cites_appendices%5B%5D=I&output_layout=alphabetical&level_of_listing=0&show_synonyms=1&show_author=1&show_english=1&show_spanish=1&show_french=1&scientific_name=Plantae&page=1&per_page=20

Ian Bainbridge
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on October 14, 2022, 11:34:28 AM
Hello, is there anyone here from France who has managed to send their seeds to the srgc and how?
I have tried to print a postage stamp by internet (a thick envelope), and it blocks because of a form to fill, and incomprehensible requests, even if it is already paid!

thank you
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on October 17, 2022, 09:15:13 AM
I have sent my mail and hope it arrives well! :D

what about the Surplus Seed Distribution  to members resident in the EU ?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Eric44 on October 30, 2022, 06:30:08 PM
Bonsoir Véronique,
J'ai  envoyé les graines en Colissimo international comme échantillon de graines de jardin. C'est arrivé en Ecosse à temps en 5 jours
Eric
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Maggi Young on October 31, 2022, 11:49:34 AM
what about the Surplus Seed Distribution  to members resident in the EU ?

See thus page:  https://www.srgc.net/add-seed-ordering.asp
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2021 - 22
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on November 07, 2022, 06:07:08 AM
I sent my seeds 3 weeks ago and they have not arrived :-\
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