Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Seedy Subjects! => Seed Exchange => Topic started by: Maggi Young on August 01, 2013, 03:44:54 PM

Title: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on August 01, 2013, 03:44:54 PM
67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014 - Advance Notice

Important Announcement: Changes to Seed Exchange Charges
In the last two years, the cost of international postage from the UK has soared; it has more than doubled. As a result of this, Council has decided, with regret, that we will have to charge for all seed requests in future, from both UK and overseas members.
We have decided to keep the rates unchanged; this means that all members will pay £5, 7€ or $10 for their main seed request in 2013-14, and the same for each order of 25 packets in the surplus distribution. Full details of how to pay will be included in the Seed List and online, and you can pay online for both online and paper requests. We can only accept cheques in sterling from a UK bank; we can accept sterling, Euros or US dollars in cash.


Autumn 2013 Seed Donations
A Seed exchange is  only as good as the seed donated- please support the SRGC Seed Ex. by making a donation of seed from your plants.
Please send seed donations, individually packaged per variety, preferably in a paper envelope, and cleaned of all seed cases, debris, insects, etc to:-
Prof. Stuart Pawley, Acres of Keillour, Methven, Perth, Scotland, UK, PH1 3RA.
Please include your name and address and a clearly written alphabetical list of the seed you are sending.
Please don’t be put off if you only have a small amount of seed of a species, or only a few species to send - it may be the small amount or seed that no-one else has, and that someone would love to have.
The deadline for seed to arrive at Stuart’s door is 31st October 2013.
If you have “late maturing” seed that cannot be sent until later, please send the information about this as early as possible and before 31st October, to Stuart at gsp.srgc@btinternet.com. Send the list in the text of an e-mail, not as an attachment. Stuart can’t afford a computer virus at this critical time. It is important to send the information early so we can produce the seed list in good time.
Please send late seed as soon as you can.

Seed Lists
All donors and overseas "postal" members will receive a seed list by post automatically. Home non-donors should request a list from Stuart Pawley, and send a C5 stamped addressed envelope to him. Last date for requesting a list is 14th December. The seed list will be available from around 10th November, and will go on-line at the same time; you can browse and order online as well as by post.
For online ordering you will need a password and you will also need to enter your membership number (it’s on the envelope that The Rock Garden arrives in) Queries to info@srgc.org.uk
To request seed Members’ subscriptions for the 2013-2014 season must be valid – renewal of current subscriptions are due by October 2013.

Seed Packeting
Seed packeting will be done during November / early December. Ian Pryde would be grateful to hear from any UK member willing to volunteer to packet seeds. Full instructions and guidance will be provided; details from Ian Pryde on 01875 615185 or at ipryde@btinternet.com

Seed Distribution: early 2014

Seed requests must reach Alan Hayes by 15th January; we cannot guarantee to meet requests received later. The Edinburgh Rock Garden Group begins seed distribution in early January; we aim to have all main requests completed by January 18th.
Donors’ seed requests are completed first, on the basis of their donation record. Donating more seed and for more years moves you up the list. Non-donors and surplus seed requests will be dealt with in order of their arrival date with Alan Hayes.
To request seed Members’ subscriptions for the 2013-2014 season must be valid – renewal of current subscriptions are due by October 2013.

Family members can make two orders. Details online later.
Surplus seed distribution will not begin until all main requests are completed; and not before Jan. 18th, so members will receive their main and surplus requests a few weeks apart.
We hope to complete surplus distribution by the first weekend in February.
Please do not enquire about the whereabouts of seed requests until after 5th February;
such queries should then be addressed to alan.hayes31@blueyonder.co.uk
US Members
US members must have a ‘Small Lots of Seeds’ permit, which is issued by APHIS.
You can find details of how to get a permit at:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_imports/smalllots_seed.shtml (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_imports/smalllots_seed.shtml)
This must be a ‘small lots’ permit, as this does not require UK phytosanitary certification.
You must enclose a copy of the permit and conditions and a green/yellow customs label for each order - one for a main order, and one for each surplus order of 50 packets.
If you order online, you must still post the permit documents and labels to Alan Hayes (or you may send them to Stuart Pawley with your seed donation). You can copy your permit as many times as you need. Please ensure your permit is still valid before you send copies to us; the permits are valid for three years.
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.
US, Australian and New Zealand members
We still need you, please, to send a numbered list of seeds requested, unless you order online, when the computer will do that job for you and us.
Other overseas members
Please check with your authorities whether there are any import requirements to your country, let us know and send any necessary documentation. We do wish to comply with any laws relating to seed imports.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on September 10, 2013, 01:37:36 PM
A further reminder to ask members to donate seed to the SRGC Exchange :

We rely on membrs' donations to fuel the exchange.

Please send seed donations, individually packaged per variety, preferably in a paper envelope, and cleaned of all seed cases, debris, insects, etc to:-
Prof. Stuart Pawley, Acres of Keillour, Methven, Perth, Scotland, UK, PH1 3RA.
Please include your name and address and a clearly written alphabetical list of the seed you are sending.
Please don’t be put off if you only have a small amount of seed of a species, or only a few species to send - it may be the small amount or seed that no-one else has, and that someone would love to have.
The deadline for seed to arrive at Stuart’s door is 31st October 2013.
If you have “late maturing” seed that cannot be sent until later, please send the information about this as early as possible and before 31st October, to Stuart Pawley at gsp.srgc@btinternet.com.
Please note that this is a new email address!

Send the list in the text of an e-mail, not as an attachment.  It is important to send the information early so the seed list can be produced in good time.
Please send late seed as soon as you can.

Your contributions are much appreciated !
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on September 14, 2013, 07:54:11 PM
As you collect your seed to send to the exchange and late, as you sow your seed from the exchanges and watch the seedlings emerge and grow, please bear in mind the projects we have in progress to record as many photos of seed ( taken to show scale as well as appearance) and of seedlings  -  there are threads in the Forum to post these photos as a record which we hope to build into a large resource to aid  growers and seed exchange helpers alike!
656 pictures so far..... :) .... only about 4500  to go before we have a really useful  number of them -  if you are collecting seed for the SRGC Seed Exchange, for any of the other Exchanges and why wouldn't you be doing that?) , or even just for your own use - if you can, please take a photo of those for which you are confident of the naming - on  graph paper of a known size, or alongside a metric ruler, to show the scale of the seeds.  Save these as a file under 200kb, ( and approx 750 x 600 pixels in size)  name the picture with the name of the plant and post them to the Seeds to Scale pages : http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=4426.msg283843#msg283843 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=4426.msg283843#msg283843)

( we also have a thread for photos of germinating seedlings, to help with IDing those too :  http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=6490.0 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=6490.0) )

With a little help from those of you collecting seed for the exchanges we can build something that  is freely available  and can help all of us ...... please help  :)
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on November 14, 2013, 07:36:30 PM
The 67th SRGC Seed Exchange online service is not operational as yet- it is hoped it will become "live" in the next few days .
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on November 15, 2013, 06:48:25 PM
67th SRGC Seed Exchange 2013-2014

Main Seed Exchange info Page : Click Here  (http://www.srgc.net/site/index.php/extensions/seed-exchange)

The Online  SRGC Seed Exchange Service is now live  - access via the page link  above.
 
Please read all instructions carefully.

Online ordering and payment is now enabled.

1) Postal members (those who receive their Journals by post): For online ordering initial access you will need the password from the last journal, or the seedlist paper copy,  if you have received it already.  Then you will need  to choose a password and you will also need to enter your membership number (it’s on the envelope that The Rock Garden arrives in.) You must re-register each year.   

2) For new "Electronic members" (those who acccess the twice yearly Journal online) : You do not have to register. Please log in with your SRGC.NET online membership number and password. e-members please note: you can get your online membership number by logging onto SRGC.NET and selecting the Content – Online Membership – What Is My Online Membership Number And Email Address menu option. The password you will use on here is the same one you use to log into SRGC.NET
Please enter your online membership number in this format: for example e100999 NOT e-100999 NOTE THERE IS NO HYPHEN!


 Route to check membership number for Electronic subscribers :
 [attach=1]


(edit to add screengrab)

N. B. Seed Exchange closed for orders 15th January 2014.

Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on November 15, 2013, 07:26:35 PM
67th SRGC seedlist to browse : click here (http://seedexchange.org.uk/srgcseedlist.pdf)
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on November 16, 2013, 12:09:06 AM
 In the registration process for the Seed Exchange, you will see  this  Note About Email Addresses:
"Do not use throw-away email addresses or free email addresses from Microsoft such as live.com, hotmail, rocketmail, outlook.com etc. If you do you will not be able to activate your account!"

The difficulty arises because hotmail address and the like often do not
 display activation emails so you do not see it to complete the process.

(Sometimes an activation email can be caught up in the  online SPAM filter of any email provider - it is always worth checking the filter to see if a missing email is trapped in there.)

If this happens, please email info@srgc.org.uk for help.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: fleurbleue on November 16, 2013, 05:26:21 PM
I wanted to fill my online seed order but I'm a donor and I see only 16 first choices... Where I have made a mistake ?  ???
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on November 16, 2013, 05:27:35 PM
I wanted to fill my online seed order but I'm a donor and I see only 16 first choices... Where I have made a mistake ?  ???

Hello Nicole,
 Yes, you must not have ticked the box to show you are a donor.   Leave it with me.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Jean-Patrick AGIER on November 16, 2013, 05:31:15 PM
Hi,
I've pointed out a small mistake in the seed list:
Item 4300: tropaeolum sajanensis. This species doesn't exist. Might be trollius sajanensis?
JP
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on November 16, 2013, 05:32:35 PM
Hi,
I've pointed out a small mistake in the seed list:
Item 4300: tropaeolum sajanensis. This species doesn't exist. Might be trollius sajanensis?
JP
Thank you JP - have you emailed to the seed team?
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on November 16, 2013, 05:38:27 PM
Thanks to those who have been in touch to say how easy they have found the seed exchange system to use.

For those few having problems - can I make a plea to read the instructions carefully before you begin - our system is our own and will likey not be identical to any other you use  -  follow each page through the process and contact me if you have trouble !

Lovely to see the orders pouring in - the Seed Team will have a busy time ahead!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Jonna on November 16, 2013, 06:38:27 PM
Thanks to those who have been in touch to say how easy they have found the seed exchange system to use.

For those few having problems - can I make a plea to read the instructions carefully before you begin - our system is our own and will likey not be identical to any other you use  -  follow each page through the process and contact me if you have trouble !

Lovely to see the orders pouring in - the Seed Team will have a busy time ahead!

Well, I was one of the few ones having problems to log in and, Maggi, I want to thank you for your nice and timely response.
I was very happy to see that this year we could easily link to google if we wanted to know more about a plant. For me that's a huge advantage.
Thanks to you Maggi and thanks to all who made this huge seed exchange possible  :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Matt T on November 16, 2013, 06:40:55 PM
As a first time user of the seed exchange system I will add my voice here.

I definitely found it easy to use, with clear instruction, a choice of methods for entering choices and if you know what you want and have the numbers ready you can place your order in minutes!

Thanks are also due to Maggi from me for help with registration. One useful piece of advice is to ditch those Hotmail accounts!  ;)
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on November 16, 2013, 07:45:02 PM
Doesn't seem to work for me! I clicked on the link in the confirmation email but it said I was already registered, but when I tried to log on it said my credentials were not valid or I may not be registered!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on November 16, 2013, 07:47:23 PM
No idea what is happening with you, Ralph - there is no record of a registration so I cannot imagine where the email came from!  I have sent you a reply to your email .

 M
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Margaret on November 17, 2013, 08:23:01 AM

It's such a pleasure having the seed list to browse. Thank you everyone and especially a big thank you to you, Maggi.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Alan_b on November 17, 2013, 10:14:27 AM
If, like me, you are an electronic member who was previously registered with the forum you may have difficulty discovering what your electronic membership number is.
If you try to do this using the Chrome browser you may find that you only see the first column under Content so cannot go where you need to.  I got it to work using Internet Explorer.

Edit:  I am using the latest version of Chrome (Version 31.0.1650.57 m) on a computer running the 64-bit version of Windows 7.  I only see the first column of all the dropdown menus using Chrome as per the attached screen grab.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on November 17, 2013, 11:29:01 AM
Interestingly,  the dropdowns  Alan describes are visible using Chrome from this machine.
Very odd how  these things vary.

There are sometimes issues with Internet Explorer on some sites, I find.
 There is a remedy for that :
"If you are experiencing difficulties viewing a site this can sometimes be related to the browser you are using and can often be easily addressed by pressing the compatibility view button (Internet Explorer only) on the far right hand side of your address bar. The compatibility view button will look like a piece of paper torn in two. When you move your mouse over the icon the words "compatibility view" will be displayed. Click the icon and the website will then run on compatibility view, this often resolves the issue of menus and/or options disappearing."

I will attach a screengrab here of the way the menu should appear to allow e-subscribers  to check their membership  numbers

[attach=1]
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Alan_b on November 17, 2013, 12:08:09 PM
Yes, Maggi, it is odd how these things vary, and the bane of anybody who constructs web sites.  I have edited my original post with some technical details and a screen grab of what I see, or don't see.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on November 17, 2013, 12:17:31 PM
Thanks Alan.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: maggiepie on November 17, 2013, 02:20:48 PM
Maggi, this is very weird.
I did as you said to get my online e-membership number 2 days ago and it worked exactly as it was supposed to.
I got my number and registered and did the order with some help from yourself. :)
Today after reading Alan's post, I went back again and the online membership is no longer showing below IRG.
I logged out to see if that made a difference but it did not.
When I tried to log back in it would not recognise my password so I had to get a new one.
Don't think my Chrome has been updated in the past few days as I check regularly and it is the latest version.

Gremlins?
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on November 17, 2013, 02:34:41 PM
I have no idea Helen.  I have experienced temporary blips of that sort from time to time.
Cannot see why it would have resulted in you resetting your password though.
However, none of this has any bearing on the working of the Seed Exchange - anyone who does not know their number, whether postal or electronic, can do what they always do -  send me an email!  ;D
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: fleurbleue on November 17, 2013, 04:29:39 PM
Poor Maggi  ;D  Hard Sunday for you!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: fermi de Sousa on November 18, 2013, 03:36:49 AM
I think I've managed to send in allocations for myself and Will, with Maggi's help as usual :-*
Hopefully the payment went through as well ;D
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on November 18, 2013, 11:11:58 AM
Many happy returns of the day, fermi!  :-* :-* :-*

My birthday gift from you would be to have you read the instructions and cope all by yourself now you are such a big boy!!  ;D
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on November 20, 2013, 09:53:13 PM
Hi,
I've pointed out a small mistake in the seed list:
Item 4300: tropaeolum sajanensis. This species doesn't exist. Might be trollius sajanensis?
JP
I hear from the Seed Packeting manager, Ian Pryde, that no seed of the alleged "Tropaeolum sajanensis" has actually materialised as yet!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Anthony Darby on December 09, 2013, 09:04:22 PM
Now that I have identified it, I have a few seeds of Zephyranthes primulina, which I see is on the list. Is it too late to send seed?
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on December 09, 2013, 10:06:42 PM
I don't know, Anthony - I will email Ian Pryde to ask him.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: bainbridges on January 05, 2014, 07:35:33 PM
Hello and Happy new year to all our seedaholics.

Here's our first Seed Distribution team report for 2014.

We set up the 16 picking trays on 29th December; only 55,000 packets of seed at this stage, and a bigger list than for several years.  Seems to have been a good seed collecting year in general....

This weekend the Edinburgh hardy folk got going, and we have picked, packed and posted the first four hundred donor requests, so we hope donors will start receiving their seed in a few days time.  We'll be hard at work for the next three weekends, and hopefully will have all the requests finished by the end of January.

Please don't ask yet where your seeds are; we only pick at weekends and it will be a couple of weeks yet before all the main requests are dealt with.

If you've not submitted a request yet, you still have time, but make sure it's in by 15th January, and do give us alternatives to pick from as some rare or popular seeds are in short supply, and have already run out.

Hope you all get (most of!) the seeds you want

Best wishes from the Distribution Team

Ian and Carole Bainbridge
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: GordonT on January 05, 2014, 07:47:42 PM
Thank you all for your hard work, a job well done! I am certain I am not the only one looking forward to what arrives by Post..... now to find room for seed flats!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Yann on January 05, 2014, 10:19:37 PM
Quote
only 55,000 packets of seed at this stage
  ;D

Thank you for your dedication and patience.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: fleurbleue on January 06, 2014, 09:23:45 AM
Good news ! I'll be waiting for my packets... ;)
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 08, 2014, 09:32:38 AM
Even better news, mine have arrived, many thanks to all donors and the hard working team who sort and send them out.  I'm a happy bunny ;D ;D
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Margaret on January 08, 2014, 02:26:46 PM

Mine have arrived too! I'm so excited.  Thank you so much to everyone involved. I'm going to try to be more organised this year with dates and photos of seedlings.  Reading this forum is getting me trained up!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Roma on January 08, 2014, 05:13:35 PM
Mine arrived today as well, all but three first choices.  Many thanks to the seed team and the donors.  Just got my AGS seeds sown 2 days ago so must check if I've enough clean pots and labels so I can get the SRGC ones sown.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Giles on January 08, 2014, 08:46:34 PM
I hit the jackpot with 100% first choices  8)
Thanks everyone.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Dionysia on January 09, 2014, 08:18:03 AM
Me too. All but two first choices. Only problem is that I'm in the middle of decorating the en-suite so I'll have to wait a few days before sowing. Thanks to all concerned.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Stan da Prato on January 12, 2014, 05:51:23 PM
Some  snaps taken earlier today. The packets you receive are laid out  in trays and the volunteers select from these trays using  the lists you have sent in. They then put them into envelopes according to the regulations of the recipient county as some destinations eg USA and  Australia require extra paperwork such as an accompanying list of contents. The packets  then go into  boxes -UK; Europe; USA, rest of the world etc. and are taken to the post office after each weekend. The green trays have the reserve stocks  of seed and someone  - here madam president - fills extra packets when required. A liberal supply of cakes and biscuits is on hand to encourage the troops.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: bainbridges on January 12, 2014, 07:03:52 PM
Hi all

Second instalment from the seed distribution team.  So far the team (20 different folk have helped) have spent around over 250 hours picking and sending your seed requests.  Stan's snaps above show Sheila Anderson picking a request, Liz Mills packing a completed request, Rob Graham, Frazer Henderson and Ian Bainbridge doing important stuff, Mike Hicks checking for reserve seed, while President Carole Bainbridge makes up extra packets which have been requested.

We have now picked and packed around 1000 requests, most of which will be in the mail by tomorrow.  Next weekend will see us finish off the last main requests and start on the surplus requests, so hopefully your main seed picks will be dropping through the letterbox very soon.

Happy sowing 

Ian and Carole Bainbridge and the Edinburgh seedies
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: wooden shoe on January 12, 2014, 08:09:41 PM
Thank you so much. You really have done a great job!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Leena on January 13, 2014, 11:24:22 AM
My seeds arrived today. It is like Christmas  :), all but two are first choices and even the two are very much wanted.
Thank you!!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Botanica on January 13, 2014, 11:47:41 AM
Hello SRGC Members !
My seeds arrived this morning..so cool !

I have a question about One packet of seed of Polemonium viscosum (N°3358), i see round cup ..and only one seed in that  :o ???

Picture of that... Could anyone tel me what it's that ? Nobody here have the same strange packet ?

(https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1526901_1410995249144957_1960510235_n.jpg)

this is not serious  ;D, but I looked forward and that there is apparently compromised especially with a single seed ... I really need a lot of luck.

If, some of you have seed of Polemonium viscosum in stock , please contact me  :P

Have fun in your seedlings  8) 8) ;)
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on January 13, 2014, 01:22:23 PM
It is possible to see the correct seed of Polemonium viscosum here : http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=4426.msg128373#msg128373 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=4426.msg128373#msg128373)

I have passed  your note to the Seed Team, Sandy.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Botanica on January 13, 2014, 01:44:53 PM
Thank's maggi !

I see your link and it clear for me it's doesn't be the good species. The polemonium seeds are curved and a few smallest .

The indicator of the potential error was the pods of seed you could see in the picture..Perhaps someone could indentifiy the species with that ?

Question : Someone have a picture of seeds pods for this species (Polemonium viscosum) ?

For others polemoniums species the pods are similares (no?) and not like in this picture...
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: bainbridges on January 13, 2014, 04:39:03 PM
Hi

I agree this is obviously not Polemonium seed, so there has been a mistake somewhere in the system.  Looks more like Boraginaceae to me; something like Omphalodes....?

With 5000 items we cannot scrutinise every donation, and sometimes folk write the wrong name on a packet by mistake.  The packeters don't always know what every seed should look like, so some errors do creep through.

We will look at the rest of the P.viscosum seed this weekend, and see whether we have anyhting that properly fits the bill!

Best wishes and our apologies

Ian Bainbridge  SRGC Seed Distribution


Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on January 13, 2014, 04:57:43 PM
Surely that lovely little annual, Omphalodes linifolia or a relative? Can't really make out the maturing seed capsules on this photo but they are very distinctive.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Yann on January 13, 2014, 07:33:30 PM
Seeds reached the mailbox this morning, 90% first choices.

Many thanks to all the volunteers
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: dominique on January 14, 2014, 11:31:10 AM
Seeds at home, ready to sow. So exciting, nearly all first choices. Thanks at all the SRGC team who make such enormous work for all.
All the best
dom
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: fleurbleue on January 14, 2014, 12:35:39 PM
The same for me ! Thank you "great team"  ;)
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Botanica on January 14, 2014, 02:37:08 PM
Thank's for your response ...i say "Many thanks to all the volunteers" me too  ;D ;D ;)
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: kalle-k.dk on January 14, 2014, 06:11:40 PM
My seeds arrived today, Thank you for your great job. I am particularly happy for 2 bags of seeds. Some years ago I received a very small bulb from Japan; Lilium auratum v. rubrovittatum, it flourished several years in my garden, unfortunately died in the hard winter 2012. It is rare and not easy to find. This year I got seeds of this beautiful lily from SRGC, THANK YOU to the one who sent seeds to 67th seed distribution. The second bag of seeds is Trillium grandiflorum 'Kath's Dwarf' I had it in my collection for some years and it was one of my favorites, it died and it is the same, not easy to find again, but now I have seeds and then I went a few years and maybe I have several  plants of this beauty, also THANKS  to you who sent seeds of Trillium grandiflorum 'Kath's Dwarf'
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: hwscot on January 15, 2014, 11:42:29 AM
It really is like Christmas!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on January 15, 2014, 12:14:16 PM
A reminder that the Seed Exchange closes for applications today - so members have about twelve hours to either make their seed requests or check that they have properly completed the process online!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: ashley on January 15, 2014, 11:03:03 PM
It really is like Christmas!
Maybe even better in that it gives year-round pleasure 8)
Thanks to all donors and the excellent team who make the exchange happen. 
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on January 16, 2014, 11:56:52 AM
SRGC Seed Exchange No. 67

Ordering for the SRGC Seed Exchange is closed for the year.

Please do not make any enquiries about delivery of seed orders until AFTER 5th February,
such queries should then be addressed to alan.hayes31@blueyonder.co.uk
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on January 17, 2014, 01:15:46 PM
A reminder that the Seed Exchange closes for applications today - so members have about twelve hours to either make their seed requests or check that they have properly completed the process online!
Seeds arrived today having been on the Grand Tour of Kent! Posted 13th January, perfectly correctly addressed, delivered 17th January, envelope stamped "Not Bethersden" and "Not Woodchurch"! So much for the new private sector Royal Mail! However,delighted to have them with so many first choices - I can now explore the wonderful world of germination of the seeds of Cyclamen and Colchicum. Many thanks to the distribution team.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Steve Garvie on January 17, 2014, 05:25:00 PM
My seeds arrived a few days ago.
I was a non-donor and very late in applying yet I got a very high percentage of first choices and those that came as second choice should have been my first choice anyway (I just didn't know it at the time)!  ;)

Many thanks for all the hard work and great effort put in by the Seed Exchange Team and of course  many thanks to all the donors!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: bainbridges on January 20, 2014, 09:11:12 AM
Week 3 report from the Edinburgh seedies:

Last of the main requests were all picked over the weekend; all in the post except a few American orders which we will have to check and generate seed lists for.

Most of the surplus requests processed too; about a further sixty orders to do next weekend, when we  will complete the seed ex for this year.

So far 22 different members have helped with the distribution; so huge thanks to them.

Hope seeds are all arriving and being sown; might sow some of our own seeds for a change from sending them out..

Ian and Carole B
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: WivekaR on January 21, 2014, 05:41:26 PM
Hi, I got my seeds last Friday and have spent the weekend reading germination instructions and sowing. Most pots will be transfered to a coldframe tomorrow, but a few will stay indoors for a few weeks. I am very happy with the with the number of first choises I got. I am however a bit sorry that I did not understand that I should have made a surrplus order before I got the first seeds. Lesson lerned for next year! Besides my new coldframe can only take 40 pots and the old ones combined can take perhaps 20 (they contain previouse years un-germinated seeds and seedlings). In a few weeks seeds from the Swedish garden sociery seed exchange will arrive. There are so many beautiful plants to grow! Happy growing to all of you and a special thanks to the once that have made this exchange possible. THANKS!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on January 21, 2014, 05:55:46 PM
Hi Wiveka, I'm sorry that you missed seeing the information that, for the SRGC, both main and surplus seed requests must be made at the same time .

General Note to all readers:
The various seed exchanges have differing rules and timings and so I recommend that all notes are read carefully before making a request - saves time, trouble and disappointment!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Matt T on January 22, 2014, 12:14:14 PM
Surplus seed request has arrived today, just a week after the main request. Very pleased with the seed selection I have received. Many thanks to all the Seed Ex donors and Ian, Carole and their hard working team.
Best wishes,
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: GordonT on January 22, 2014, 12:26:19 PM
Main request seed lot arrived yesterday. Now I have some work to do- figuring out germination protocols for a few of my choices. Loads of treasures to get going!!! Sorry to have missed out on Campanula zoysii, perhaps better luck next year. My thanks to all the donors and everyone involved in the exchange.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on January 22, 2014, 12:40:48 PM
Nearly two dozen members have given of their time to get involved in the Seed Order Picking  and Distribution - and , as Ian B's reports show, they are making VERY  speedy progress through the process.

It is not publically recorded, I notice, how many chocolate biscuits and cakes were consumed so far in pursuit of this task -  perhaps it's better not to know!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: GordonT on January 22, 2014, 12:45:17 PM
Would an International Airlift of sustenance be in order for next year's crew? ;D ;D
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: fermi de Sousa on January 22, 2014, 01:29:24 PM
Would an International Airlift of sustenance be in order for next year's crew? ;D ;D
Lavender flavoured cookies?
 ;D
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: fermi de Sousa on January 24, 2014, 08:10:17 AM
Our seeds arrived today after a short visit to the Customs inspectors.
Nothing removed!
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: GordonT on January 24, 2014, 01:43:50 PM
Lavender flavoured cookies?
 ;D
cheers
fermi

HA!! Perhaps Chili-Lemon cookies would add a little spice!  ;D Thank you Volunteers and Donors!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Lori S. on January 25, 2014, 05:53:24 PM
I received my seeds yesterday!  Thanks so much to all the donors and volunteers who make it all possible!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: bainbridges on January 27, 2014, 10:53:02 PM
Hi all

Week four update from the seed distribution crew.

All the seed requests are now picked - main and surplus - and only a handful of (mostly American) requests  are still to be mailed: these are the ones where we have to generate a list for customs, or where we're waiting for permits to arrive.  Carole and I will have a few nights' 'homework' to finish these off as permits arrive.

We'd like to say a big thankyou to the 24 members who helped pick and pack seeds; at least it's warmish and dry for them doing a January job. 

Maggi asked how many cakes and biscuits got eaten in the process - simple answer, all of them!  And international food parcels would be very welcome .....

Best of sowing and growing to you all from the Distribution Team.

Ian and Carole
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: fixpix on February 05, 2014, 01:44:41 PM
Hello everyone.
Got my seeds last Friday I think. I was too busy to let you know.
Many thanks for all the effort... I saw the pictures with that huge hall, full of tables with seed trays.
Not so many first choices, but overall, I am pleased!
I'm a beginner to all this, not much of a contribution yet.
Once again, THANK YOU !
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 05, 2014, 01:51:37 PM
Glad to hear your seeds have arrived, Calin. 
Of course, you are a very recent member- joining only two days before the seed ordering closed, so I am delighted to hear of the speed the Seed Team has sent your request- in future years, especially if you can also donate seed to the exchange,  you will be even more delighted, I think!! :)
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: fixpix on February 05, 2014, 05:06:30 PM
Yes Maggi, I admit, I heard about this exchange and I wanted to give it a try.
Plus I am really just starting to feel more attracted to alpines.
Hopefully I will soon be able to call myself a donor :)
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Mini bulb lover on February 10, 2014, 09:47:28 AM
I received (most of) my seed a couple of weeks ago. Thanks to everyone involved.  ;)

Unfortunately the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) had opened my envelope and removed and destroyed my Crocus flavus seed. Their letter stated that the seed wasn't on the allowed list and as such the seed was immediately destroyed. The fact is, it actually is on the allowed list.

I had searched all my requested seed on the ICON database online (http://apps.daff.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_querycontent.asp (http://apps.daff.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_querycontent.asp)) before submitting my seed request.
The AQIS officer that destroyed my seed obviously didn't look at the bottom of the allowed crocus list. Crocus flavus isn't listed alphabetically but it is on the list; therefore the AQIS officer made a mistake.

The officer that returned my call (he never supplied his name) originally blamed the fact that the seed packet didn't have the botanical name printed on it as the reason it was destroyed. I told him if that was the case then none of the seed would have been forwarded to me as they all only had numbers on them; a corresponding named list was enclosed. I told him it was because the officer made a mistake as the ICON database list is not in alphabetical order (most of it is but new entries seem to be just added to the bottom). He said that was probably the case. He did explain that the legislation stated the botanical name MUST be printed on the seed packet (so basically there’s no legal remedy as they can state the packet didn’t comply with the legislation). I told him that I would give that feedback to the sender but I doubt they would be able to do that. I suggested that the ICON list be updated so that it was in alphabetical order. He said he has forwarded that request onto the department.

He explained that they have thousands of packets to review at a time on the conveyor belt and they have to make decisions quickly which can lead to errors. Cross referencing numbers on packets to numbered lists was time consuming in large numbers. He said the amount of seed coming through the facility had increased substantially in the past few years.

I asked him why the seed was destroyed immediately rather than sending me a letter and allowing me to clear up their mistake. He said that last year they changed the policy so that any seed under $100 of value that is rejected by officers is then destroyed immediately.  Over $100 the seed is kept and a letter sent to offer the seed be returned to sender for around $90. At the start of the call he was trying to get me to state how much the seed was worth but I wouldn't give him a figure. I guess unless there's an invoice with the seeds they would have to guess the value, which seems arbitrary to me. I said that the <$100 limit seemed geared towards commercial stock and discriminated home gardeners.

I saw some seed packets from another seed exchange recently (I think it was NARGS). The seed packets had stickers on them with the number and name of the seed printed on them. I don’t know if that’s something that the SRGC could think about implementing in the future? Maybe someone could check with them to see how much it cost to implement and if it was difficult. I suppose it’s possible that AQIS could eventually stop all seed packets coming in that aren’t labelled with the botanical name (especially with Government cut backs) and then all the Australian SRGC members would be out of the seed exchange. It’s frustrating for all involved.

Some other Australian members that I know have had similar issues this year.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 10, 2014, 11:32:32 AM
This question of labelling seed packets with names instead of numbers is one that some of us have been asking for for some years.  We have been told that it is a) not possible  b)not practical or  c) just too difficult - none of which I personally think are valid reasons.  There are several small seed services which mange to label their seed fully and , especially given the regulations for various of our oversea seed destinations, this is something which will HAVE to be addressed sooner rather than later.

I know others  have mentioned a similar problem - this is is very important question for future seed distribution to continue  to the likes of Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
 I very much hope that it will be seriously addressed by the SRGC. 
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: fermi de Sousa on February 10, 2014, 11:40:08 AM
This question of labelling seed packets with names instead of numbers is one that some of us have been asking for for some years....
I know others  have mentioned a similar problem - this is is very important question for future seed distribution to continue  to the likes of Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
 I very much hope that it will be seriously addressed by the SRGC. 
As long as we aren't treated as we were by the RHS who decided it was too much trouble to send seed to Australia and cut us out from their Seedex entirely!!!  :o
cheers
ferm
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Neil J on February 10, 2014, 11:50:09 AM
That's tough Jon,
None of us would wish to lose our chosen seed.

However, AQIS have a vital role in keeping all the undesirable bugs & diseases that we certainly don't need out of our Australian gardens. Their rules are created by indifferent (at best) politicians and senior bureaucrats and the people we have to deal with are left to make the best of a "dog's breakfast".

To their great credit, although the rules clearly state that all seed packets must have the species name on the packet, over many years now they have been good enough to accept the need to check against a list. Yes it is time consuming, but they have demonstrated the goodwill & practicality to go the extra mile and give us our seed.

If we give them grief, they can insist that we meet the rules as defined, and we will all be in trouble. No seed !

I'm sure SRGC could print labels. But labels, and the time and effort to prepare them, would undoubtedly blow the miniscule budget on which our great seed exchange operates, and the cost of our seed would have to multiply rapidly. Do we really want that?

Personally, I would rather lose the odd packet and continue to benefit from the wonderful, simple, cost effective service we have.

I am pleased to say, despite importing a few hundred packets in any given year, i have never lost a packet to AQIS. I did once have to pay a $95 inspection fee when someone thought some "furry" seed may have an infection. I chose to pay up and look around my garden at all the wonderful plants that have come safely through AQIS without any problems, or any pests or diseases.

Yes it is frustrating. But we must be very careful what we wish for.

AQIS staff have a thankless task which they carry out very well. As do our great SRGC volunteers. Long may this valued service continue.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: David Nicholson on February 10, 2014, 11:57:41 AM
Since names and numbers are on the seed list anyway and the seed list is surely computerised, it can't be much of a problem to print out a label for individual seed envelopes. Then again, I don't have to do it!
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 10, 2014, 12:13:08 PM
I believe that having the packets named would greatly increase the amount of surplus  seed sold at the shows - at the moment there is limited room for folk to peruse the few paper seedlists available to make their choices. Then, if they have no  internet access they have to make their own notes/list of the names
- all very fiddly and time consuming-  with labelled packets  large amounts of seed could be sold  to lots of people in the time it takes one person to compile their choice.


Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 10, 2014, 01:29:13 PM
Since names and numbers are on the seed list anyway and the seed list is surely computerised, it can't be much of a problem to print out a label for individual seed envelopes. Then again, I don't have to do it!
I agree - minimal time difference to write name as opposed to number on a packet, and with computers it should be easy to print labels.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Mini bulb lover on February 11, 2014, 06:36:32 AM
...AQIS have a vital role in keeping all the undesirable bugs & diseases that we certainly don't need out of our Australian gardens.

Neil, I appreciate the job that AQIS does and I believe that it's a vital service. However their current policy (destroy seed worth <$100) means that mistakes on their part can't be rectified. There should be some accountability. You've been very lucky not to lose any seed over the years. But the system shouldn't be a lucky dip where we have to tip toe around the department because they're doing us a favour by allowing seed packets in that aren't botanically labelled to their liking. I could quite easily go on the local talk back radio to complain about the issue but I'm aware that it could potentially lead to the department "closing up shop" when it comes to the importation of non commercial seed. It shouldn't be that way. The system should be fair for all; not just those that can afford it. I don't think it's too much to ask for.

Is it really that much more expensive to print labels on the seed packets? I actually think it would save time. The seed list is already in electronic form on the internet so it doesn't have to be manually retyped. Surely sticking labels on multiple packets is faster than hand writing all the numbers (with less errors)? One of the other SRGC members here in Melbourne had all of her seed held because there was no seed list enclosed. If the packets were printed that kind of mistake (which I'm sure is rare) would not cause a problem. It would help AQIS staff.

Sometimes I think people assume things will be harder and more expensive without actually looking into it. If I have to pay an extra 2 pound a year for a better system that gives me more confidence that the seed is less likely to be accidentally destroyed and not be held over a barrel by sketchy legislation, then I'm prepared to pay it.

And as Maggi says, it would be better for the SRGC if the packets were printed for selling the excess seed at shows. The SRGC seed exchange is a wonderful service that I want to see continue for many more years to come. But that doesn't mean that things should remain as is. Progress can be a good thing sometimes.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: fixpix on February 11, 2014, 10:00:35 AM
Just a small suggestion?
Maybe such elevated costs and workload for printing out labels and sticking them on packets could be reduced if such labels were used for destinations who need them?
I have no idea what the ratio is for EU / rest of world (USA, Australia, New Zealand and so on) members.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: GordonT on February 11, 2014, 12:43:08 PM
Seed packets from the North American Rock Garden Society seed exchange arrived the same week that SRGC seed arrived. The NARGS packets were labelled with both name and number. I am sure the folks running the NARGS Seed Exchange would be more than happy to share how they do it, what resources they use, and perhaps what the overall cost is for them to label everything going out. I think labelling everything would be less cumbersome than having to keep track of which international destinations require full labels, and which do not.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 11, 2014, 12:50:05 PM
The prime need for the SRGC at the moment is to find a Group willing to take on the Seed Distribution for next year - and I would urge all those here who have a local group to raise this question at their meetings, both at committee and full membership level.

While full labelling would be desirable, there would still be  the problem that AQIS  inspectors are not working from alphabetical lists and so are missing  perfectly valid newly added plants at the end of their  lists.
Title: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: ikizzeki on February 12, 2014, 08:41:27 PM
I have looked up posting and saw that there are some nice thanks to seed team and lastly an arguement about labelling. That is so nice. I am from Antalya, south west coast of Turkey, is absolutely in spring. That means almost late for seed sowing time.isnt it. Unfortunately I havent received my seeds yet..
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 12, 2014, 09:38:56 PM
Izzet,
 I have written to the Seed Team to ask if they can tell me when your seeds were posted to you.

 Maggi
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Olga L on February 13, 2014, 12:55:46 PM
Hello!
My seeds arrived a few days ago. I'm a newbie and wasn't a donor. Nevertheless I've got all first choices but one. It's very surprising for me! Especially I'm happy to receive the seeds of some rare primulas. All the seeds have been sown and I'll make my best to grow these wonderful plants.
Thank you for your hard work! Many thanks to all the donors, volunteers and everyone involved in the exchange.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: bainbridges on February 14, 2014, 10:10:42 PM
Hi all

We'll look at the labelled packet issue again, I'm sure, but please remember we're dealing with 50,000-55,000 packets of seeds of almost 5000 taxa, with 80+ volunteers packeting, and supplemetary packeting while we pick your selections, so it's not a trivial change by any means.....

Hope you're all enjoying the sowings....

Ian B
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: latestart on February 14, 2014, 11:37:28 PM
Can I add a comment based on experience of both packing and being on the picking/distribution team. The time from the seeds coming in to SRGC to requested orders being sent out is not very long when you think that it is done by volunteers who also have other committments.
The first stage in the process is receiving and compiling the list.
The second, Packing, and the third, Distribution.
As a packer I got a box containing packets of donated seed which I was asked to pack using glassine envelopes, ready for distribution. The number packed is based on the requests for that seed the previous year. It is a relatively easy job and needs no particular skill. I had to number each glassine envelope, to correspond with the number on the donor pack, added by the person compiling the seed list. I find it quick and easy to write numbers but I would have to seriously consider not volunteering in future if I was expected to write the unfamiliar names on each packet, and my writing would seriously stretch the interpretive skill of readers. This year I packed around 800 envelopes. As each stage is separate, does the compiler need to know how many packs I will be packing from any given donation? Does the packing supervisor need to examine the donations, to see how far they will provide the number of packs that he is asking me to provide? Donations and requests fluctuate from year to year.
If labels are to be printed maybe it should be at the stage when the order is received. If someone orders numbers 71, 135, 1699 etc. and these were transferred to a sheet of labels which the picker at the distribution stage could peel off and stick on the appropriate numbered glassine envelope from the boxes it would help both picker and members requesting seeds. At the moment if a seed has been used up, in order not to short change the member we try and give an alternative. If we knew what was not available and there were no 2nd choice numbers we would probably pick something similar. Did you order a Primula and received a Cardiocrinum? It makes the picking and distribution process much more interesting from the pickers point of view if they know what they are picking. The on line ordering paperwork supplies that, but because it often overlaps on to a second or even a third A4 page it is not as neat a solution as the old one small order form. The only problem with printing labels which may need to be binned is the cost. It would also take someone who knows how - to devise a programme to handle it. Would it only be first choices which would be labelled ?
I am very pleased to see so many happy 'customers' and I will look forward to seeing what solution is devised. The system is not perfect, but an understanding of the problem is often a first step to finding a solution. It would not help our Australian members if the system of inspection at their end is not easy to use by the examiners.   
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 15, 2014, 10:41:43 AM
No-one is suggesting that names should be hand written on the seed packets. That would surely be a disaster, having seen quite a few "mangled" numbers on seed packets, either not clearly written or with numbers transposed, a neat printed label is a neater, clearer option.

The system that has been proposed in the past is that when the number of packets required for the first packeting from each taxon is requested from the packeters, that number of labels would be printed, probably with a few extras, and supplied to the packeter. Instead of writing numbers on packets, the  volunteer would instead  peel and stick a label.   Thus, for the majority of seeds the packets would all be labelled in advance.
It would be relatively painless to print off extra labels for extra packets which need to be packeted when  the initial supply has been used up.
To print off labels to correspond with individual seed requests would be rather difficult, I imagine- there would be difficulties in  matching the right list of labels to the right order, I suspect. It would also add to the workload of the  picking team at   a time when,as you say,  things are hectic  enough.  The advantage of labelling everything as it is packeted is that the labels can be largely determined from the previous year's demand and so to an extent can be pre-prepared for the more  "regular" seeds on the list.

I do think that  one of the main advantages will be the removal of the need for members to match the right seed to the right seedlist ( many get muddled with this!) and the capacity to tempt members to more seed as the surplus seed travels the groups and shows- it must be easier  to sell much more seed at shows where people can see instantly what is available and have a record of what they are buying.

If we are to keep up with foreign regulations  and - who knows, perhaps with coming EU legislation- we will have to address this question and come up with a workable solution.

Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Jonny_SE on February 17, 2014, 04:54:42 PM
Bummer....i lost my seed's this year to the postalservice.    >:(  //Jonny
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 17, 2014, 05:13:36 PM
That is a nuisance, Jonny.  I hope the Seedy Folks manage to pick some more good ones for you.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Jacek on February 17, 2014, 09:19:49 PM
Just great thanks to the seed distribution team. It's a wonderful job. I wish I could help you in your hard work.

I received more than expected, though not more than ordered.

The only activity I can do now is to collect seeds this year and become a donor.
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: GordonT on February 24, 2014, 09:20:36 PM
Should I be concerned that my order from the surplus seed has yet to arrive?
Title: Re: 67th SRGC Seed Exchange - 2013-2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 24, 2014, 09:28:13 PM
I've sent your query to the Seed Team, Gordon.
Title: SRGC Seed
Post by: Maggi Young on June 17, 2014, 10:55:02 AM
SRGC  Seed  gets sold at SRGC shows and also at Gardening Scotland - here's a twitter photo from Jono Davies-Coleman (https://twitter.com/jonoDavCol), a  Plantsmanship student at RBGE/SRUC, showing the plants he bought at Gardening Scotland - and the SRGC Seeds!!

[attachimg=1]
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