Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Seedy Subjects! => Seed Exchange => Topic started by: Maggi Young on July 03, 2016, 03:28:23 PM

Title: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on July 03, 2016, 03:28:23 PM
 SEED DONATIONS  Now / AUTUMN 2016

SRGC is very grateful to all those Members who donate seed to the Exchange. The bonus of being a seed donor is that you get 25 packets of seed in the main Seed Distribution (only 16 if you are a non-donor) - and Donors are given priority in the Seed Distribution.

Please send fresh clean seed as early as possible, and no later than 31st October.

Send seed to Ian and Carole Bainbridge :
Drs Ian and Carole Bainbridge
Luckie Harg’s, Anwoth Road, Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas, DG7 2EF, Scotland.



Please: Write the full name of the seed on each packet of seed, and your name as well.

    Put all seed of one type in one packet.

    Use small packets when possible (and avoid very big packets!).

    Supply a list of donated seed in alphabetical order.

    Please put your e-mail and phone number on your list in case we have any queries.

    Provide comments on any new or rare seed.

    Please support the Seed Exchange by donating seed each year.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on July 31, 2016, 09:29:15 PM
The SRGC Seed Exchange:
A HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who send in seed; without your contributions there would be no seed to distribute to all our members at home and abroad. Please do support the Seed Exchange by donating seed from your plants.

Full SEED EXCHANGE Notes for SRGC Seed Exchange 70  of  2016 -2017 can all be found in the  main website, here. (http://www.srgc.net/site/index.php/extensions/seed-exchange)
 
SEED EXCHANGE TEAM
Seed Reception Managers:
  Drs Ian and Carole Bainbridge: 01557 814141
Luckie Harg’s, Anwoth Road, Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas, DG7 2EF, Scotland.

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

Seed Distribution Team Manager Carolyn McNab: 01557 870225
Barmagachan House, Borgue, Kirkcudbright DG6 4SW, Scotland

Seed Request Manager Neil McNulty, 6 Main Rd, Crookedholm, Kilmarnock, KA3 6JT, Scotland.   

SEED DONATIONS AUTUMN 2016
Please send fresh clean seed as early as possible, and no later than 31st October.

Send seed to:
Drs Ian and Carole BainbridgeLuckie Harg’s, Anwoth Road, Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas, DG7 2EF, Scotland, UK.
Late seed can be accepted if a list has been sent by post or e-mail to reach us by 31st October.
Please send e-mails to seed@srgc.org.uk  (seed@srgc.org.uk)
The seed list will be compiled on 1st November, so late seed may well not be in the exchange.
Please:

Write the full name of the seed on each packet of seed, and if collected in the wild, state where.

Write your name or initials on each packet.
Put all seed of one type in one packet.
Use small packets when possible (and avoid very big packets!).

Supply a list of donated seed in alphabetical order
.
Please put your e-mail, phone number and membership number (if known) on the list in case we have any queries.

Provide comments on any new or rare seed.

Wild seed
: There has been much discussion recently about illegal collecting of wild seeds. The reputation of the SRGC is at risk if we offer seed that has been collected illegally, or which 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 every seed submission, 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 PACKETING
Seed packeting will be done during November / early December. George Watt is the new manager of this section. George would be very grateful to hear from any UK member willing to volunteer to packet seeds.
Full instructions and guidance will be provided; details from George Watt on 01292 592445 or email seed@srgc.org.uk (seed@srgc.org.uk)

SEED LISTS 2016
All members (except those with paperless subscriptions) will receive a seed list automatically by post. There will be no need for UK members to request lists.
Please ensure your membership is renewed promptly, to ensure you receive a seed list.   Seed lists will be posted in late November and the seed list will be online from late November as well, when the online ordering system will be "live".

Important  Notes for US Members:
Members from the USA 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/i (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/i)mport_export/plants/plant_imports/smalllots_seed.shtml
This must be a ‘small lots’ permit, as this does not require UK phytosanitary certification.
Please apply for your permits ahead of the seed exchange to ensure there is no hold up in getting your seeds back to you. You must enclose a copy of the permit and conditions and a green/yellow customs label 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 post the permit documents and labels to Neil McNulty, as soon as possible - to arrive before 15 January (or you may send them to Ian and Carole Bainbridge 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! Several packs were left unsent last year as the paperwork never arrived. 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 named and numbered list of main order seeds requested, unless you order online, when the computer will do that job for you and us. For those in Austrlaia - this is the list of species permitted entry :
https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/ViewElement/Element/CaseScientificNames?caseElementPk=649544 (https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/ViewElement/Element/CaseScientificNames?caseElementPk=649544)

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.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: PaulM on October 09, 2016, 03:09:29 PM
I collected some seeds in the wild when I was in Greece this past summer. Should I send it or not ?

Paul
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on October 09, 2016, 04:12:24 PM
I suggest you contact  the Seed Reception Team :

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

(Late seed can be accepted if a list has been sent by post or e-mail to reach us by 31st October.)
Please send e-mails to seed@srgc.org.uk  (seed@srgc.org.uk)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: CRSHEP0 on November 14, 2016, 06:40:57 PM
This is my first year participating with the Seed Exchange.  I read somewhere, if I was a e subscrition I needed to Register to participate in the exhange, and must have my membership number, and the 2017/17 Password.

I can't seem to locate where I must register and enter this information.  Help please?

Cecile
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on November 14, 2016, 06:48:33 PM
Cecile, when the Seed Exchange goes "live"  (which will be in very early December I expect) you will find the details you need on your own  online subscription page - you log into that here : http://www.srgc.net/membership/ (http://www.srgc.net/membership/)  with your email address and the password you chose when you set up the subscription.

There will be notices here when  ordering goes live as well of course.  Online ordering is, of course, available for all members, not only those with e-subscriptions (where all journals are downloaded online etc)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on November 14, 2016, 07:32:35 PM
On behalf of the seed distribution team, I would urge as many members as possible to order online. We are trying to automate and streamline our work, and online ordering will definitely reduce the workload for us in several ways. If you haven't tried it before, do try it this year, just read the instructions carefully and you will find it is actually quite simple and clear!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: CRSHEP0 on November 16, 2016, 11:33:40 AM
Thanks for the handhold.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carol Shaw on November 17, 2016, 06:45:39 PM
Seed packeting has commenced in the Shaw household... quality of seed is good but quantity is down on previous years I think. Or box should head back to George on Monday  ;D
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on November 17, 2016, 11:05:28 PM
Yes Carol, I think the quantity is down this year, we didn't have quite as many taxa donated and I noticed when packing up the boxes that often there was only one small donation, from which packers were asked to make 30 or 40 packets. Narcissus springs to mind as short this year. People should be sure to fill in substitutes or they may be disappointed.
George and Neil hope to get the last of the boxes finished and sent out to the packers tomorrow. They have done a great job!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: ashley on November 18, 2016, 08:34:15 AM
Interesting for individual donors to hear something about the bigger picture. 
Thanks to all involved in what seems to be a very efficient process.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on November 18, 2016, 08:50:40 AM
Ashley, it has been very interesting to be involved and see what is donated and from where. I recognise lots of donor names from the forum. It's important to have donations from far and wide - for example there was only ONE donation of erythronium dens canis this year. I know that mine in the garden did not set any seed, I guess this was a common problem. But somewhere, surely, the weather conditions must have been right for seeds to set.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: ashley on November 18, 2016, 10:59:14 AM
Yes indeed Carolyn, I'd always assumed that donors were fairly widely scattered so that local variations in seed harvest might even out.  Obviously availability of rarer taxa is likely to fluctuate greatly from year to year, but I'm surprised to hear that a widely-grown genus like Narcissus is in short supply.  Therefore perhaps we should also try to donate more of what might be regarded as 'common stuff' on a regular basis.  On the other hand (& maybe controversially) I suggest that donors be discouraged from sending seed of uncertain identity unless there is a particular reason for doing so (e.g. unusual genus or provenance) AND the uncertainly is indicated on the label.   
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Dionysia on November 18, 2016, 02:25:10 PM
I think that various factors are changing the content of the seedlist over the years.
The membership is ageing and this is exacerbated by them probably ceasing to collect/donate some time before they actually fall off the perch.
Possible and logical evidence that the reduction in wild sourced seed not only has an immediate effect but subsequent cascade effect due to a lack of 2nd/3rd generation garden produced seed.
Many seeds which featured regularly in the distributions no longer do. This may partly reflect previous comments that there are often few multiple donations of the same taxa. I have been a packer for the AGS for many years and am always surprised that in a typical box of say 50 taxa, at least 40-45 are represented by a single donation. It follows that if the donors of those taxa are unable to donate for whatever reason, then that taxa is likely to disappear from that years list and possibly subsequent years.
To those who think that any contribution might be a drop in the ocean, please reconsider as although the lists are long and impressive, much of the content may not be as plentiful as you think.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on November 18, 2016, 02:33:33 PM
Well said, Paul!   While it is true that some seasons are very poor for seed set there re other important factors, such as you describe.
 Still pretty amazing that so many taxa ARE available from the likes of the SRGC and AGS exchanges though - there cannot be many other  groups with such fantastic lists, being prepared by so many volunteers.

Adding this pic of a Primula capitata grown by Matt Topsfield from SRGC Seed last year.
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: François Lambert on November 18, 2016, 04:25:37 PM
There is still some seed on it's way to the exchange to increase quantities  ;).  I mostly have (very) late maturing seeds (I'm still harvesting now) and plan to ship early December.  As for the quantity I once asked you Maggi how much seeds are needed, and you told me something like half a cup of tea.  Not an easy measure in a mostly coffee drinking country, but I interpreted it as sending thousands of seeds when possible.  In fact, I have no clue how many single packs of seeds ideally have to be made for each species, and looking at my own cultivation I often wonder how many new plants are needed for seeds that have already been previously in the seed exchange because all my plants are long lived bulbs or rhizomes.  And I only send seeds or offsets of plants that do it particularly well here - even sometimes get a bit weedy.

Anyway ... still some seeds to harvest, dry & clean ... and you can expect a small parcel from Belgium in a few weeks.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on November 18, 2016, 04:54:22 PM
Goodness me, I really cannot remember ever having said that THAT much seed was needed -  In some cases that much seed would be impossible throughout the world! Any seed is welcome and of course, for something that may be popular, the more the better  ;)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: François Lambert on November 18, 2016, 05:21:20 PM
Goodness me, I really cannot remember ever having said that THAT much seed was needed -  In some cases that much seed would be impossible throughout the world! Any seed is welcome and of course, for something that may be popular, the more the better  ;)

OOPS ... I must have been flooding everyone with seeds in the previous seed exchanges then ...
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on November 18, 2016, 05:43:23 PM
Excellent news, François ! We must all thank you!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on November 18, 2016, 08:31:28 PM
Paul,
It's true that many taxa are represented only by a single donation, but certainly in the SRGC seed ex we do not always send out the entire lot of seeds to the packeter. If it is a seed for which we anticipate only 5 or 10 requests, we only send out a small amount to the packeter. We may have a big packet of surplus seeds back at base.
I do agree with your comments, so what we all need to take from this is that we should try to send in as many donations of seed as we can. Common species? Yes. Only a few seeds? Yes. I saw one packet which was a donation of FOUR seeds! But it will make the recipient happy and will help keep the sp in cultivation.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Erik F. on November 21, 2016, 07:37:28 PM
I came here looking for the PDF version of the 70th seed list, but it doesn't seem to be available yet. I wonder if mailing a copy of the list to each and every seedex participant is the most efficient and cost-effective solution. Surely even older members who might not be as keen on using computers for everything would be able to open a PDF file?

The comment made earlier in this thread that the SRGC membership is aging raises an important question: how might the organization make itself more relevant to younger potential members? I would suggest this is not merely a curiosity, but a matter of long-term survival.

Finally, with regard to this year's reduced seed volume, I wonder if it may have something to do with the fact that autumn and winter are coming later and later to many parts of the temperate world. I for one find it difficult to meet the October 31 deadline for donations, as many of the seeds in my garden are only ready for harvesting between late October and mid-November, and I would still ideally need a few more weeks to allow the seed to dry properly, then clean and pack them. But even if I let the seed receivers know my donation will be arriving a bit late, I assume that anything that doesn't reach them by mid-November will probably be too late for packaging and distribution.

Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 21, 2016, 07:56:55 PM
I find this post very interesting Erik and I wonder whether the thoughts you express may be taken further. Obviously it would mean a change in policy for the SRGC (and AGS) executive but I too would like the donation time to be perhaps a month later. The reason for this probably applies to just a few people (those in the southern hemisphere for example, but to you too, obviously, in Canada) but from down here, this being spring now, if I could send or notify my seed later, I could supply very fresh seed of many more species. As an example, I am currently collecting seed of a number of narcissus species, tecophilaeas, hepaticas, Mertensia virginica, saxifrages, some early irises, crocuses and so on but if I have to keep them, they'll be a full year old before any recipients get them.

I suppose whatever time the donation time closes, there will be people and species it doesn't suit, but as you say Erik, the seasons are becoming later and less predictable so surely the conversation is worth having, even if, in the end, no changes are made. Can it be talked about?


Do you think Maggi, that this whole subject is worth pursuing and putting to those in charge of the seed exchange? If for no other reason, it would take the pressure off packeters and distributers in the lead in to Christmas, always a stressful time for most people.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on November 21, 2016, 08:11:50 PM
On the other hand, Lesley, we in the NH appreciate receiving our seeds in late Jan early Feb, so that they still have time to be put out in the cold for a few weeks.
Personally, as someone involved with each stage of the distribution, being inside sorting seed packets is OK for me on a dreich November day, when it's too cold to spend the whole day in the garden anyway.
I do take your point, and Erik's too, about seed ripeness - I have some which I have not donated as it is just ripening now. The seed table at our local gardening club will benefit instead. I don't think you can please everyone all the time. Life is full of compromises!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on November 21, 2016, 08:56:57 PM
Carolyn is a part of the Seed Team and I have no doubt she will report  comments here to the rest of the team.

As well as the seedlist system for online ordering, each year a pdf list is  posted on the site for people to browse at leisure.  This will be happening  in due course.  It was  our custom to send the  paper seedlist to all the membership in years past, then only to overseas members and those requesting it  in the UK.  The decision in place at the moment is to send a paper list to all postal members. For those "E-members", who access their journals online, they will only have online access to the seedlist  for  browsing or ordering.  It makes life a lot simpler for the seed team if  as many members as possible make their orders online.

Of course, this is a simple  process- at least if one reads the instructions carefully  before starting !  This year I will not be able to provide the level of "hand-holding" that I have  in previous years - the seed team will be coping with all your  queries. Please  take your time when entering the ordering system and enjoy the system for the  happy experience it will surely be if you do not  panic and expect a system that has to work for thousands of people to be tailored to your individual wishes!  ;)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 21, 2016, 08:57:05 PM
You are right of course Carolyn. Ideally, we'd have a smaller exchange, 3 or 4 times every year! Any takers? ;D
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Jonna on November 21, 2016, 09:14:48 PM
For me, the time to receive the seeds is quite late. I often ask for seeds that are cold hardy here in my zone 6b. A lot of them need a 3 month cold stratification or first 4-6 weeks warmth and after that the cold stratifiction
Getting the seeds later, will make it  very hard to germinate them.
And there are some seed types that need to be really fresh.
I think it will be almost impossible to organize a seed swap in September and another one in January.
Maybe we must offer each other seeds on the seed trading forum.
Just ask what you are looking for and when you want the seeds.
I also have late ripened seeds I never can offer for the Seed exchange. I'm never sure if those plants will set seed.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Matt T on November 21, 2016, 09:35:07 PM
Given that the seed exchange is run wholly on volunteer effort, I think it is amazing what is achieved, from seed donations through to the packets landing on our doormats for sowing. The seed team undertake a herculean effort of work behind the scenes and have my thanks and appreciation. As many have recognised, whenever the cut-off date is set, it will not suit someone or certain species. In these cases offering seed for exchange through local groups or the Forum would be a good alternative. I have sent and received seeds all over the world, as have many. Just one of the benefits of the international family that comes together on these pages.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Rick R. on November 22, 2016, 10:54:40 PM
For me in the north central part of the USA (Minnesota), our falls have consistently become much more drawn out.  My first hard frost was a full 1.5 months later than "normal" this year!  That hasn't moved my seed harvesting for particular species later in the year,but I am now often able to produce seed that normally had no chance of ripening here, because of our shorter growing season. 

I'd repeat Matt's comment, but it was so eloquently clear that "ditto" does say it all!  Thank you to everyone involved!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Erik F. on November 23, 2016, 03:07:54 AM
I wholeheartedly agree with Matt and am very grateful for the great job all the volunteers do.

Re. late-ripening seed and donation cut-off dates, I agree with Lesley that it's a discussion worth having even if nothing changes in the end.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Tristan_He on November 23, 2016, 07:41:26 AM
I'd repeat Matt's comment, but it was so eloquently clear that "ditto" does say it all!  Thank you to everyone involved!

Ditto from me too!  :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on November 23, 2016, 07:27:05 PM
I will pass on your messages to the rest of the team!
We only do it for the cake...
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 24, 2016, 11:13:05 PM
My comment about 3 or 4 times a year was, of course, made with my tongue firmly in my cheek. As well as anyone I'm aware of what a brilliant job all the seed packers and distributers do. I've had many fine plants over many years, from the seed exchange and I appreciate it and the efforts of everyone concerned, hugely.

It seems that we've now had the discussion and the status quo is the result. That's fine by me. I've always offered special seed to members out of seed list time and will continue that practice. We in NZ are totally reliant on seeds for replacement of plants lost so my warm thanks everyone concerned with the exchange, from the garden harvesters to the man who delivers the mail at this end (a woman and her dog actually).

Hope you have some good cakes this year Carolyn. ;D
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Diane Whitehead on November 29, 2016, 07:03:47 PM
Online ordering for the 70th Seed Exchange of the SRGC will go live on 1st December.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Jonna on November 29, 2016, 07:46:01 PM
Thank you for this post. Now we can prepare our wishlists  :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on November 30, 2016, 09:39:50 PM
Online ordering  for  the latest Seed Exchange - No. 70 -   of the Scottish Rock Garden Club will become active later tomorrow morning.

A note will of course be posted here, as well as on the main site, when the online seed ordering system goes live.
All instructions for the seed exchange are clearly explained in the pages available when the seed system goes live http://www.srgc.net/site/index.php/extensions/seed-exchange (http://www.srgc.net/site/index.php/extensions/seed-exchange)

To begin you will need the  special access password to begin registration ( before you choose your own password) - then you will need your membership number - these can be found in your online profile page for e-membership subscribers  and the password is shown in the printed list and in the Secretary's Pages from July 2016 - link elsewhere on this page or from the main Seed Ex. page of the SRGC site.
From the main Seed Exchange page of the website  http://www.srgc.net/site/index.php/extensions/seed-exchange (http://www.srgc.net/site/index.php/extensions/seed-exchange)  you will have access also to a copy of the list to download and browse at your leisure as well as the link to the registration process.
 With something like 35 thousand packets of seed from 7500 donations, there is not really a great rush to order in the first five minutes!
 Please be aware that those using hotmail  and similar free email addresses provided by microsoft will not receive the automated emails to activate their  online registrations - this is something we have warned about  for several years and over which we have no control. These email providers will not even have the emails in a spam filter, they delete them altogether.

 Also please be aware that if you access the ordering system via a work computer  the firewalls of those systems may not allow access to the system and emails either. Again these are problems which we have warned about previously.

 Those making  postal seed requests may pay online - but PLEASE -  if you are ordering online, DO NOT PAY until you have completed your order fully.  In that  case you will be asked to pay again and your  order will not  complete.

 We are confident that if you read the instructions as you pass through the process and follow the instructions you will access the system successfully and easily make your seed order as so many members do each year.   You will appreciate that we do not have the capacity to provide individual  directions for each member.
 Seed requests must reach the Seed Request Manager, Neil McNulty, by the deadline of 15 January 2017.
  Note: all seed correspondence, lists and queries should be sent to:
  seed@srgc.org.uk

This is a link to the seedlist for you to download to read at leisure :
  http://files.srgc.net/seedexchange/SRGCseedlist70.pdf (http://files.srgc.net/seedexchange/SRGCseedlist70.pdf)




 The seed distribution will begin in early 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. 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  and wait until after 5th February before enquiring about the whereabouts of your seed.
 
  All Seed Exchange contact details may be found in the Seed Exchange pages of the main site.
 
A note will of course be posted here, as well as on the main site, when the online seed ordering system goes live.

Remember that, as usual,  if you 're not sure  what a particular plant is - you can click the  option in the online system to "google" it  ;)
 
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 01, 2016, 11:27:49 AM
Online ordering for the 70th Seed Exchange of the SRGC is now live

- starting point

- this page of the main website


To begin you will need the  special access password to begin registration ( before you choose your own password) - then you will need your membership number - these can be found in your online profile page for e-membership subscribers  and the password is shown in the printed list and in the Secretary's Pages from July 2016 - link elsewhere on this page or from the main Seed Ex. page of the SRGC site.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Robert on December 01, 2016, 04:35:25 PM
Is anyone having trouble with the online ordering system?

I get to request #18 and then it stops working, or at least stops recording my seed request. The same is true with the substitute list - it gets to a certain point and then just stops recording the request.

Maybe I just have bad luck with computers!  :-\

or maybe there is a programing error.  :-X
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 01, 2016, 04:46:57 PM
Hello Robert, not sure what might be happening. Are you a seed donor and did you tick that box to confirm that?  Otherwise it  may be  stopping you at 16 choices as a non-donor.
 Other orders going through okay.

edit to add:  Tested the system again for donor status ordering and no problem found - possibly some  break in Robert's connection. Will hear later how he gets on.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: ian mcdonald on December 01, 2016, 08:05:15 PM
I received the seed list this morning and returned completed form this afternoon. I suppose this is the old fashioned way but I prefer it.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 01, 2016, 08:18:51 PM
I received the seed list this morning and returned completed form this afternoon. I suppose this is the old fashioned way but I prefer it.
As is your right, of course - the notes here are for those seeking to order and pay online - and of course  online ordering and payment is the simplest  route for the Seed Team.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: joost on December 01, 2016, 08:48:57 PM
J am not able to log in to Order or pay for your seed online folder.
It says that either my membership number or my password is invalid. But they are correct.
Are there more people having problems?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 01, 2016, 09:00:57 PM
Joost,  you cannot log in until you have registered and activated an account each year. It may be you  have not  done that  -  please send me your  full name so I can check your membership status. 
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: joost on December 01, 2016, 09:02:33 PM
I am registered as Tjitske Bruinsma.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 01, 2016, 09:13:06 PM
Joost, you have not registered and activated a seed account for this year. Please return to the Seed Ex. pages and follow the instructions. You need the web password to begin, then you need your membership number - you can find both of those things on your online profile page where you log in as an e-member to see  the Journals to download etc.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: joost on December 01, 2016, 09:16:26 PM
Oke, thanks. I will try it.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: joost on December 01, 2016, 09:23:05 PM
Can you send me a link were I can find the page to activate my seed account, it is not clear to me.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 01, 2016, 09:27:20 PM
Can you send me a link were I can find the page to activate my seed account, it is not clear to me.
It is where you log in to see you membership profile - Online Subscription Pages .....
 http://www.srgc.net/membership/ (http://www.srgc.net/membership/)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: joost on December 01, 2016, 09:36:49 PM
Sorry, it is saying that me seed exchange web password is not valid. I assume I have to fill in this password in the order or pay folder to register.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 01, 2016, 09:38:13 PM
Sorry, it is saying that me seed exchange web password is not valid. I assume I have to fill in this password in the order or pay folder to register.
Joost, I will email you. Sorry - I thought you wanted to know where to find your number and the password.  If you have these, you will find the link to the page you need from the main SRGC seed exchange page - all the information is there, I promise!  http://www.srgc.net/site/index.php/extensions/seed-exchange (http://www.srgc.net/site/index.php/extensions/seed-exchange)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Rob on December 02, 2016, 12:39:39 AM
I managed to place my order, thanks everyone.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 02, 2016, 12:06:34 PM
Great news, Robert!  So pleased you discovered what the problem was at your end.


The system is working well  and orders are steadily being received by the Seed Team - as ever, most "difficulties"  being  reported are the result of  members' email providers grabbing the activation mails into a spam filter ( which is what happened to me!) or,as in the case on hotmail live.com etc, just not delivering the emails at all. Other probs are caused by trying to log in  without registering and activating a new seed account.

As we always says -  please read the notes - they are there to help !
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Tasmanian Taffy on December 02, 2016, 11:36:01 PM
Hello Maggie,
I am having trouble logging on to the seed ex. when I try entering my password its telling me password is invalid although I have used the same to log on to forum page.
What am I  doing wrong.
Cheers John.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Matt T on December 03, 2016, 08:27:23 AM
Hello Maggie,
I am having trouble logging on to the seed ex. when I try entering my password its telling me password is invalid although I have used the same to log on to forum page.
What am I  doing wrong.
Cheers John.

Hi John,
The log in for the Seed Ex ordering system is separate from that you use to log in to the Forum and you will need to register first.Main seed notes page is http://www.srgc.net/site/index.php/extensions/seed-exchange (http://www.srgc.net/site/index.php/extensions/seed-exchange)       From the Seed Ex page:http://www.seedexchange.org.uk/index.php?page=home&func=noneselect the "Order or Pay.." option at the top of the page. Enter  enter the web  password ( printed in the seed list, July Secretary's Pages or online profile for e-members_ in the LOWEST box - a new page will open - you will then go on to register your details.  You can create your own password when you enter your registration details on that page,  and click 'Register' -  An activation email will be sent to you - THEN you will be able to log in from the  Order  page with your  membership number and the password (the one you have chosen in the previous step)  to make your seed order.  I've just done it myself and if you read the instructions carefully they'll keep you right.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 03, 2016, 12:57:27 PM
Thanks Matt, I've edited your note a bit .... !

The main point to remember is that EVERYONE must register and activate their seed account EACH YEAR , whether to pay online for a postal seed order or to order and  pay for an order online.

There are helpful notes before you begin the process, if you are unsure - and at each stage of the process there are notes and hints to help. Of course, these only work  if members actually read them and follow the tips!!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 03, 2016, 04:19:51 PM
For members who have received (or are about to receive !) a paper copy of the seedlist, your membership number is shown on the  address label of the  plastic envelope in which  the list arrives.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: ikizzeki on December 03, 2016, 05:33:08 PM
I am happy for not to be alone accessing seed ordering page.  ;D ;D ;D Now I am in the page to choose..
I tried so many times by '' copy-paste'' way to log in to but failed. The last trying was writing one by one..
CORRECTING...WAITING  REGISTRATION  ACTIVATING.. ::)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Claire Cockcroft on December 03, 2016, 06:36:04 PM
A friend of mine is having trouble with Sage Pay.  It gives an error with no explanation.  How can he pay?
Thanks!
...Claire
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 03, 2016, 06:44:01 PM
We find that errors with Sagepay result from  minor errors made in  entering the numbers, either the main card number or the  3 digit code on the reverse of the card. Sagepay is  very strict on everything being entered correctly.  We have yet to have anyone fail completely with it.  Please advise your friend to try again - and be careful that all details are entered correctly and  that  name and address details for the card match the address given etc. Selecting correct card type  is also a simple mistake.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 03, 2016, 06:48:31 PM
Ian reminds me  that a common error is entering the long card number including the  spaces seen on the card - the digits should be run together with no gaps.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Claire Cockcroft on December 03, 2016, 07:14:53 PM
Thanks, Maggi,
Unfortunately, he doesn't even get to that point.  This is the error message:  5080: Form transaction registration failed.
...Claire
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 03, 2016, 07:19:39 PM
May be a time out  issue or a connection failure or a traffic jam - it's Christmas shopping time!I think that's a generic  connection failure code.
Address details must match too!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 03, 2016, 09:22:19 PM
From Stephen Barstow......
[attachimg=1]

http://www.edimentals.com (http://www.edimentals.com)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Richard Green on December 03, 2016, 10:42:56 PM
It leaves me speechless that Stephen uses our cataogue to order vegetable seeds!  However, I do see that the Hardy Plant Soc lists all vegetable seeds under V in its alphabetical list - for easy reference!

It would be interesting to learn how many of our seeds produce plants which are considered toxic to humans.....
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Tasmanian Taffy on December 04, 2016, 03:02:38 AM
Hi Matt,
I am still unable to log onto seed ex, I have tried doing exactly what you said and it tells me that my member number or user name is invalid. I have used this online system since it started and have never had any problems logging on before now.
Cheers John.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on December 04, 2016, 07:13:45 AM
Sometimes automatic translations can change your username and password.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Matt T on December 04, 2016, 08:37:44 AM
Hi Matt,
I am still unable to log onto seed ex, I have tried doing exactly what you said and it tells me that my member number or user name is invalid. I have used this online system since it started and have never had any problems logging on before now.
Cheers John.

Glad to hear in your PM that you have fixed this problem now, John.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Cfred72 on December 04, 2016, 08:49:06 AM
Sometimes automatic translations can change your username and password.

Hello, I have just been able to finally make the payment online.
I was also worried about the 5080 error code that appeared on the screen.
Paying attention to what you wrote Veronique, I realized that the two lines of address varied slightly.
The first one correctly wrote the house number: "14 A". The second one translated "14 U N".
I changed the profile. I pasted the "a" to the number in both lines and I was able to make the payment.
Thank you all for the help and the tracks in order to get there.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Regelian on December 05, 2016, 11:43:31 AM
The system doesn't recognise my member number or E-mail.  Any suggestions?

Jamie
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 05, 2016, 12:11:35 PM
I'll check Jamie but I suspect you are trying to log in  without registering and activating a new account, as must be done each year. Or else you are using  you old postal  membership number instead of your  new e-sub. one.
See the notes above!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: fermi de Sousa on December 05, 2016, 12:34:10 PM
Dear Maggi,
thanks for your help - all 3 orders have now been submitted! Maybe next year we'll manage it without crying to you for help!
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: annew on December 05, 2016, 12:47:35 PM
I'm having trouble too. I've not received my activation (not in my junk folder either).
I notice the paragraph:
An Important Note About Email Address: 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!
My email addresses are hotmail and gmail so I'm a bit stumped. Which addresses are allowed?  ???
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 05, 2016, 12:57:15 PM
I'm having trouble too. I've not received my activation (not in my junk folder either).
I notice the paragraph:
An Important Note About Email Address: 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!
My email addresses are hotmail and gmail so I'm a bit stumped. Which addresses are allowed?  ???

 gmail does work, Anne - I'll check for you.
I see you used hotmail to register  -  I'll email you.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Regelian on December 05, 2016, 01:27:36 PM
Maggi,
tried what you suggested, but still no joy.  Seems to go in a circle.

Jamie
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 05, 2016, 01:44:43 PM
Very odd, Jamie , are you sure you're entering the initial password in the right place?

This year's Website password goes in the lowest box:
[attachimg=1]

 Then a page will open for you to enter all your details , number etc and choose a personal password.
You will be sent an activation email, to click on to set your account, then you will be able  to log in :
[attachimg=2]
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Regelian on December 05, 2016, 02:27:06 PM
Maggi,
I come to the page for details.  When I click enter, the message says I may be already registered or the name is invalid.
Jamie
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 05, 2016, 02:28:44 PM
Jamie, I cannot see how that is possible - are you on the correct page ? You enter via the seed exchange pages , not your online profile page.
Enter the website password first, to open the next page ......
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Regelian on December 05, 2016, 04:16:43 PM
Maggi,
I shut down the system at home and waited an hour, to let any stored infos expire.  Now, it works.  Have no idea what it was, but suspect there was a data loop from computer to computer.

cheers,
Jamie
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 05, 2016, 04:35:52 PM
Good to see you're registered and activated now, Jamie!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: annew on December 05, 2016, 05:16:20 PM
Thanks for the emergency help, but one can always go snailmail!  ;D
No grumbles about the seed exchange - thank heavens for the team who work so hard to get our seeds to us.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Lewis Potter on December 05, 2016, 09:22:54 PM
I don't seem to have received my activation email yet. I registered, as normal. But a day later nothing received not even in the spam folder. (I know, no hand holding but the same happened last year).
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Tasmanian Taffy on December 05, 2016, 09:48:26 PM
HI Jamie,
I was having exactly the same problem as you. I found the problem was that I was using Google Chrome auto fill in on the registration page and it was entering my home phone number instead of my SRGC membership number, hope this is of some help,. Cheers, John.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 05, 2016, 10:25:46 PM
I don't seem to have received my activation email yet. I registered, as normal. But a day later nothing received not even in the spam folder. (I know, no hand holding but the same happened last year).
Hi Lewis,
 Your "live" email will not have delivered the email - I have activated your account for you now. Happy Seed Hunting!


 John, glad you found out what your problem was  and completed the order.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 15, 2016, 01:52:42 PM
Members are reminded that there is now one month left to get seed requests in to the Seed Team. It's easy to order and pay online - and no postal delays! Don't miss out!
SRGC Seed Exchange  is open only to paid-up members of the Club and
requests must reach the Seed Team by 15th January.

 
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: CRSHEP0 on December 18, 2016, 08:32:21 PM
I just sat down to order Surplus Seed, and I suspect that when I paid for my first order of seed, I closed the door and I can't order
any surplus.  For some reason I can log in to the Exchange, but, can't order.  Am I correct and fiinalized out, and you can only do the entire process and then pay and finalize?  Cecile
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on December 18, 2016, 08:35:59 PM
Yes Cecile, you must do the full order at once - it does say that in the notes.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on January 15, 2017, 07:30:37 PM
The SRGC Seed Exchange No. 70 closes for ordering on 15th January  -

The Seed Team  has begun work, in spite of nasty weather  to tackle the hundreds and hundreds of requests.

Seed requests are being processed and sent out now, please look out for your packets which should arrive during this month unless you are overseas and have customs barriers.    Good luck with your sowing!

Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: fermi de Sousa on January 16, 2017, 01:33:45 AM
Thanks, Maggi!
We'll be waiting with bated breath! (unlike the cheese-eating cat who waited for mice with baited breath! ;D)
My plan is to get all the pots ready for sowing by the end of March (....maybe early April) so that seed can be sown prior for departure foe the Czech RG Conference!
No sign of seeds from AGS Seedex here though a couple of members in Melbourne have received theirs.
The Seedexes are a major incentive for belonging to the overseas Rock Garden groups and we encourage all our members (of the groups in Olinda and Ferny Creek) to donate and participate to be able to get more rock garden (and other!) plants into Australia,
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 16, 2017, 08:54:57 AM
My bated breath didn't last long.  Many thanks to the seed team (and of course donors) for their marvellous work, mine arrived this morning and that will give me a pleasant task ;D
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Cfred72 on January 16, 2017, 09:16:52 AM
My bated breath didn't last long.  Many thanks to the seed team (and of course donors) for their marvellous work, mine arrived this morning and that will give me a pleasant task ;D

Already, it's fast ...
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Rob on January 16, 2017, 12:46:14 PM
My seeds arrived this morning, thanks to the team.

I missed out on a couple of pulsatillas, but got everything else on my order.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on January 16, 2017, 01:05:30 PM
The first batch of orders was posted on Saturday, 2nd class post, so may take a few days to arrive. Another batch is due to be posted today. This is a rest day - the room at Threave is being used by another group. I think everyone is quite glad of a day off, they have all worked hard. We have had 15 or 16 people in each day to help - friends and neighbours have volunteered to help us. So you have a lot of non-members (even some non-gardeners!) to thank for their hard work. We have kept them all plied with tea and cakes!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Pennine Wanderer on January 16, 2017, 02:06:35 PM
Many thanks to all for your hard work. My seeds arrived this morning.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: ian mcdonald on January 16, 2017, 02:25:12 PM
Seeds arrived this morning. Thanks team and it was very useful to have the name of the seeds already printed.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on January 16, 2017, 02:26:37 PM
Quote
the name of the seeds already printed.....
Just one of the innovations of our clever Seedy Folks!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Lewis Potter on January 16, 2017, 09:43:57 PM
My seed arrived this afternoon. Many thanks. Received all but one.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: ChrisB on January 16, 2017, 10:23:07 PM
My seed arrived today also, currently being soaked overnight prior to sowing (cyclamen).  My thanks to the hard working team, well done!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Margaret on January 16, 2017, 10:56:22 PM

My seed arrived this morning too. Many thanks to the donors and seed team.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: fermi de Sousa on January 17, 2017, 01:53:46 AM
.....very useful to have the name of the seeds already printed.
Just one of the innovations of our clever Seedy Folks!
That will save time when they are checked by our Customs Service - when they get to this side of the world!
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on January 17, 2017, 09:17:12 AM
That will save time when they are checked by our Customs Service - when they get to this side of the world!
cheers
fermi
And another innovation is a printed list for customs, which can now be produced with relatively little effort.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Peter II on January 17, 2017, 10:16:23 AM
I did not get anything yet.    :'(  But I will be patient.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on January 17, 2017, 12:45:15 PM
And another innovation is a printed list for customs, which can now be produced with relatively little effort.
Yes, a move forward from the previous system using a "SeedLister programme" is now developed by the Seed Team.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Cfred72 on January 17, 2017, 03:48:25 PM
I received my seed today. I would like to thank all the volunteers who worked on this collection, sorting and distribution. Bravo to all of you.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: annew on January 17, 2017, 06:20:10 PM
Seeds arrived - I like the prelabelling of the packets  :D Many thanks to the team.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on January 17, 2017, 06:37:51 PM
SRGC Seed arriving with members in Sweden - thanks to all donors and Seed Team helpers...........

"Replenishment of seed, first order arrived from Scottish Rock Garden Club, thank you (https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v6/fce/1/16/1f600.png) ;D "

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: pehe on January 18, 2017, 12:55:30 PM
Also in Denmark, and they have been sowed right away :)

It was much easier with the new labels, thank you very much!

Poul
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: ashley on January 18, 2017, 02:42:36 PM
Yes congratulations on the excellent new labels, and thanks to all involved in the Exchange.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: sokol on January 18, 2017, 03:41:04 PM
I did not get anything yet.    :'(  But I will be patient.

Here the same too and I hope for tomorrow.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on January 18, 2017, 04:52:35 PM
Seed excitement in MalvikStephen Barstow is the author of a super book on "edimentals" edible ornamental plants  .........

  January 18, 2017   One of the very very exciting moments of the year happened yesterday evening (https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v7/f57/1/16/1f609.png) Thanks so much yet again to those amazing volunteer seed packers of the SRGC…and I’ll say it again this is a must for the perennial vegetable enthusiast….our numbers are increasing fast and there will soon be more of us than the ornamental enthusiasts (https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v7/f57/1/16/1f609.png) 
and on Stephen's blog   http://www.edimentals.com/blog/?p=9826 (http://www.edimentals.com/blog/?p=9826)

[attachimg=1]
 
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Gail on January 18, 2017, 06:49:32 PM
Delighted with my seed that arrived today - thank you so much everyone.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Corrado & Rina on January 18, 2017, 08:05:13 PM
 Yey .... Santa Klaus had forgotten to come by and just arrived! ;D ;D ;D ;D

[attachimg=1]

Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on January 18, 2017, 08:14:24 PM
A "Tweet" by the co-ordinator of the NTS School of Heritage Gardening ....
Students at Threave  College helping with the SRGC Seed Ex.
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Lesley Cox on January 18, 2017, 10:59:12 PM
Nothing here yet but I don't expect for a couple of weeks what with postage and then inspection by MPI.
(They will be delighted with the labelled packets as pictured.) Hopefully I will have caught up with my own fresh seed sowing, though not the pleasantest task right now, gale force winds having blown the window out of my ancient potting shed.That was last weekend and the gales continue, with heavy rain as well. No REAL summer this year!

In the meantime, seed cleaning of this season's harvest is in full swing. A woman's work is never done. :'(
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on January 19, 2017, 05:42:30 AM
I received the seeds yesteday  (France) and I am very happy. thank you so much everyone.

 Surplus seeds are sent later?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Tristan_He on January 19, 2017, 07:39:15 AM
Got mine yesterday, many thanks to all!

Now I just have to find space to sow them.. my eyes are bigger than my cold frame  ???
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on January 19, 2017, 09:37:58 AM
I received the seeds yesteday  (France) and I am very happy. thank you so much everyone.

 Surplus seeds are sent later?
We are picking the surplus seed orders right now. You should have them in a few days.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on January 19, 2017, 09:44:25 AM
Some more pics from the seedex team.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on January 19, 2017, 09:46:15 AM
Teatime! We do try to be good to our volunteers.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Leena on January 19, 2017, 12:39:07 PM
Seeds arrived also here today, thank you so much for the donors and seed team. :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on January 19, 2017, 01:47:02 PM
Nice note from a member who was only able to order at the last minute ....

All Hail to Scottish Rock Garden Club, whose seed list I could not early order from, owing to sad circumstances, I took the list to Madeira at Christmas and made my seed choice while listening to Oliver Harris rehearse for a concert, ordered them online on 14th January, they arrived today, 19th January, with only three substitutions....thank you very much!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: sokol on January 19, 2017, 08:26:48 PM
Here the same too and I hope for tomorrow.

And they really arrived  today:). I am really happy with it and all is just sown today. Thanks a lot to the whole team.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: ThomasHe on January 19, 2017, 08:32:21 PM
Thank you very very much for the seeds i have got in the mail today.
All this Volunteers are doing a great Job !!!!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Neil on January 19, 2017, 10:59:54 PM
Mine arrived, thanks to the seed team for their hard work.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on January 20, 2017, 04:55:50 PM
Whew! That's the seed exchange over for another year. The final packets of surplus seeds were posted this afternoon. The only ones still waiting to be posted are a very few US orders, for which we are awaiting documents. Please do NOT enquire about your order until after 5th Feb - postal services can be erratic, and can take several weeks for overseas orders.
Happy sowing!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Cfred72 on January 20, 2017, 05:25:52 PM
Thank you Carolyn.
A little rest for you and the whole team now?  :)
Have you thought about making your seed order?
If so, you should receive quickly ...  :P :D
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: joost on January 20, 2017, 05:51:14 PM
No seeds over here. Looking forward to the package ;)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on January 20, 2017, 06:28:04 PM
Thank you Carolyn.
A little rest for you and the whole team now?  :)
Have you thought about making your seed order?
If so, you should receive quickly ...  :P :D
My husband David, who is in charge of all things computing at the seed distribution, is now having a nice snooze in his favourite armchair...
My seed order? Sown last week, since it did not need to be posted. The only benefit from taking part!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Cfred72 on January 20, 2017, 07:14:15 PM
My husband David, who is in charge of all things computing at the seed distribution, is now having a nice snooze in his favourite armchair...
My seed order? Sown last week, since it did not need to be posted. The only benefit from taking part!
You are quite right. Both for the chair and for the planting of seeds a little earlier.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on January 20, 2017, 07:21:55 PM
We must keep quiet, Friends - David deserves a  long snooze!!

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: sippa on January 20, 2017, 11:09:09 PM

How can one make sure that the documents arrived from the US?  Mine were posted at a local post office with a very distracted postal worker.  Hope for the best.

Marianne
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on January 21, 2017, 01:09:32 PM
How can one make sure that the documents arrived from the US?  Mine were posted at a local post office with a very distracted postal worker.  Hope for the best.

Marianne
You will be sent an email if we do not have your paperwork.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: YT on January 21, 2017, 03:47:43 PM
The seeds were delivered here on Friday 20th Jan. Thank you so much for the seed team :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Catwheazle on January 22, 2017, 10:29:33 AM
Thank you very very much for the seeds i have got in the mail yesterday.
Lot of thanks to all this Volunteers !!
They are doing a great Job !!!!

Bernd
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: fermi de Sousa on January 23, 2017, 10:10:51 AM
I was getting very envious of all those who'd already received theirs but look what turned up today!
10 days to get from "Castle Douglas" to Central Victoria!
Many thanks to all the "Seedy Folk"!
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Vincent on January 23, 2017, 12:20:37 PM
I'm starting to get a bit worried since my order hasn't shown up yet. Can somebody please tell me who I could ask if it has been send out? I know everything has been sent, I'm just thinking that maybe there were problems of some sort. Or should I maybe be more patient? I'm trying not to be too envious of everybody else, but its very hard  :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on January 23, 2017, 12:51:02 PM
Dear Vincent, I urge you to be patient.  Sometimes packages do take a long time to arrive  - which is, of course,  not something the Seed Team can do anything about. 
As the Seed Notes  advise : Please allow for delays in the postal system before enquiring about the whereabouts of your seed.

Please wait until after 5th February; after when queries should be addressed to Neil McNulty, 6 Main Rd, Crookedholm, Kilmarnock, KA3 6JT,

Scotland, UK, or at this email address >      seed@srgc.org.uk
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Vincent on January 23, 2017, 01:42:54 PM
Dear Maggi,
Thank you for your quick answer. I should've known :) please excuse my impatience. It's just that I am often surprised at how quick things arrive from various parts of europe, so kind of got used to not having to be patient :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: johnw on January 23, 2017, 03:27:54 PM
Exactly fours days in the post from Scotland to Halifax.  Not bad considering most post flies into Toronto and is then trucked to Halifax, a good 17 hour drive in good weather.


While it might be mild in Toronto and Halifax in winter one must always consider what weather that truck will be driving through in between - Z5 to Z3 - when sending tender plants!


john
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: GordonT on January 23, 2017, 05:00:11 PM
Seeds arrived in today's post. Thank you to the volunteers, and an appreciative shout out, to VH, for sending "Best wishes to Nova Scotia" along with the seeds, an unexpected kindness! :D
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Lesley Cox on January 23, 2017, 06:57:27 PM
I know Vincent, that it's hard to wait when so much treasure is expected but think about what it's like here. Fermi in Oz had his yesterday so mine in NZ will probably be another week, having been diverted to inspectors at the border, when they arrived which I'm sure they will have by now. The seed pots are lined up and ready to receive the seeds, a bunch of labels and a pen ready to have the names written, my notebook ready on a new page to record what was sown. And today at last, a fortnight of appalling weather has come to an end. The window blew out of my potting shed and even with a temporary plastic sheet over the hole, it's too cold and windy in there to work - in mid summer! Little wind today and also some sun so when the seeds arrive they'll be sown right away. :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Gabriela on January 24, 2017, 02:41:38 AM
Seeds arrived here today as well; many thanks to all involved!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Leena on January 24, 2017, 01:34:13 PM
Surplus seeds are here, for some reason several days faster than the first letter.
Thank you so much!! :) Now there is a lot to wait for this spring, it helps through the winter. :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: joost on January 24, 2017, 03:26:27 PM
Seeds arrived today, thanks a lot to all involved!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Cfred72 on January 24, 2017, 05:57:19 PM
Ours have also arrived today. All labels are ready. I started to rehydrate what it takes. Thank you.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Vincent on January 25, 2017, 08:46:17 AM
My seeds have arrived, thank you very much to everybody involved!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Parsla on January 25, 2017, 11:26:41 PM
An emphatic thank you to Carolyn and all the seed volunteers. My little brown paper envelope arrived last night, and some lovely treasures within.
Jacqui.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Lesley Cox on January 26, 2017, 02:36:22 AM
My seeds have arrived today too, in spite of having been to MPI and passed inspection.I think the fact of their being named on the packets has made a difference to the time taken for inspection and I too appreciate this naming especially as I almost always mislay my seedlist.

I didn't donate seed in 2016 yet still received all but 2 of my 16 first choices and an extra as well. Warm thanks to donors, packers and distributers and everyone else involved. Will definitely donate this coming season and in fact I already have some seeds cleaned and packaged and stored in the fridge. :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Cfred72 on January 26, 2017, 04:19:32 AM
Lesley,
It is a good initiative to collect for the next donation. This year I sent too. It was the first time that I participated in a seed exchange of "my story in the garden". This year, I will do it sooner to collect. There are always seeds that seem too simple for us, which for others, in other countries or continents, have an attraction.
I also did not receive all the choices I had requested. However, I was filled in the amount of others that arrived. The demand was stronger than the initial donation. Less, that's what I imagine. Hence the importance of sending enough seeds when participating in the donation of seeds.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on January 26, 2017, 10:32:57 AM
Good idea to think about collecting seeds from early in the season. When we were sending the seeds out to the packers, I was quite shocked by the large numbers of seeds represented by just one donation. This means that if, for example, the person who was the sole donor for several narcissus did not donate, then we would not be able to offer those seeds at all. I noticed this particularly for narcissus, iris and crocus. I'm sure it was also the case for many other seeds. So the message to everyone should be to collect seeds all season, don't just think "oh, someone else will have donated that".
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Leena on January 26, 2017, 11:44:06 AM
Carolyn, what do you think should be done with seeds like Corydalis (and some others like that), which ripen early in the summer. If they are kept dry until January, the germination will be very poor, but if I pack them with vermiculite, how will it be for packers over there? Too difficult to pack again in smaller bags, and also the paper bag is not good for moist vermiculite.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on January 26, 2017, 01:04:08 PM
Leena,
We have found that we cannot deal with damp-packed seeds, unfortunately. It's just too complicated.
I don't know whether dried corydalis seeds would respond to GA3? In Deno's seed book, he states that most eranthis seed from seedexes is already dead. I got some from last year's seedex because a friend gave me some GA3 to try. I have had a good germination from this. Perhaps corydalis, being another woodland ephemeral, would respond in the same way? Maybe there is someone out there with some stored corydalis seeds and some GA3 who would like to experiment for us? (Unfortunately I have neither corydalis seeds nor GA3 at the moment) Has anyone else tried this?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on January 26, 2017, 01:35:34 PM
Here's a photo of my eranthis seeds from last year's seedex. I sowed 30 seeds in Jan 2016 after soaking them in dilute GA3 and have got over 20 germinated in this pot (the slugs managed to nibble some). This result is almost as good as with fresh seed, where I would expect over 90% germination. Interestingly, these seedlings appeared about 2 weeks ahead of my own fresh seed, sown straight after harvest last May.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Cfred72 on January 26, 2017, 03:16:33 PM
The first seeds received on 17 January are already germinating  :D
I show a photo at the bottom of the page of the following link : http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=6490.750 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=6490.750)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Rick R. on January 27, 2017, 03:00:08 AM
Assuming the dry ephemeral seeds are still alive, I had read how a major problem with rehydrating these types of seeds was that if water is imbibed too quickly, the cellular structures can permanently crack.  The action of certain parts absorbing water faster and expanding faster than other parts creates pressure differentials that cause breakage at the cellular level. This breaking of cell integrity leads to the demise of the seed.  This is why The Kew SID sometimes begins hydration of recalcitrant seeds with high humidity rather than liquid water contact.

Well, at least that’s my very basic explanation.  I dare say, if you want to learn all about recalcitrant seed, this pdf will keep you going:
 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRjPCplOHRAhUk74MKHeCSA9EQFghiMA8&url=https%3A%2F%2Frngr.net%2Fpublications%2Fttsm%2Fch4%2Fat_download%2Ffile&usg=AFQjCNHrCW_b0afzw5Yg1YqGzb6qPeULNw&bvm=bv.145063293,d.amc (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRjPCplOHRAhUk74MKHeCSA9EQFghiMA8&url=https%3A%2F%2Frngr.net%2Fpublications%2Fttsm%2Fch4%2Fat_download%2Ffile&usg=AFQjCNHrCW_b0afzw5Yg1YqGzb6qPeULNw&bvm=bv.145063293,d.amc)

In 2015, I did some experimenting with the dried ephemeral seed from the seed ex.
I was blessed by an accidental mistake and received two packets instead of one of Corydalis malkensis (SRGC#1064).  So I had enough seed to try a crude “scientific” trial: 32 seeds planted directly into moist soil and 32 seeds first in a 2x3 inch ziplock bag with a bit of paper towel with the tiniest bit of dampness on it - for 2 weeks, and then planted in moist soil.  Both treatments began on 13 Feb 2015.  While I had planned on working in a cold treatment before spring arrived in Minnesota, it didn’t happen.  They didn’t get their cold treatment until the following natural winter.  They were both treated the same and stayed together through the spring of 2016. 

The RESULTS are encouraging! 
--- The lot planted directly into the soil had no germination.
--- The lot pretreated with 2 weeks of water vapor sprouted 23 out of 32 seeds in March 2016!

Although I didn’t have enough seed to try side by side trials with other species, I did try the same vapor method at the same time with a few other similar type seeds:
Erythronium caucasium
Erythronium revolutum
Cardamine pentaphyllum
Hepatica nobilis

But no seed emergence of any of these. :(
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Cfred72 on January 27, 2017, 07:57:03 AM
This will do me some work decoding and reading, but this is an article that interests me. Thank you, Rick.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on January 27, 2017, 09:14:05 AM
Very interesting, Rick. I know some trillium growers use the damp paper towel technique to rehydrate the seeds. I have never tried this, but I think I will next year. I will also try it with corydalis next year.
Talking of corydalis malkensis reminds me of an experiment I did a couple of years ago. On harvesting the seeds, I realised I had picked some under-ripe ones too - the seeds were brown, rather than black. I separated them out and sowed them. The ripe black ones germinated 100%, the brown underripe ones not at all. Always good to experiment!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Leena on January 27, 2017, 10:43:01 AM
GA3 is not readily available here, but Rick's method is something I could try.  :) I have had bad experience with seed ex seeds of Corydalis, so that is why I haven't ordered them lately, or sent them to the exchange because I thought they were going to to waste, but Rick's method could be the answer! :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on January 27, 2017, 01:29:27 PM
And keep the  seeds  (Corydalis, Trillium... ) after the harvest under plastic with wet paper? Then send them for exchanges in the same packet ...  like this:
[attach=1]

 Trillium kurabayashii received 2 weeks ago. Under plastic at 20 ° C
They are well swollen and some radicles point

I hope that what I write is understandable because I use an automatic translator  :-\
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Cfred72 on January 27, 2017, 03:04:28 PM
Hello Veronique and welcome. Do not worry about understanding. It goes well.  ;)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Diane Whitehead on January 27, 2017, 05:31:36 PM
what do you think should be done with seeds like Corydalis (and some others like that), which ripen early in the summer. If they are kept dry until January, the germination will be very poor
  For several years someone organized an Ephemeral Seed Exchange.  Those of us who would be offering seeds sent in lists which were distributed.  Anyone wanting seeds would request them from the donor and they would be mailed as soon as they were ripe. 

The other, possibly less complicated thing to do is to send your fresh seeds to Australia and New Zealand, and they would send theirs north.

Diane
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Rick R. on January 27, 2017, 09:32:37 PM
Let me stress that I was very careful to use the tiniest bit of water.  If I put enough water at one end of a 3x3cm piece of paper towel, and it dampens the entire square, I deemed that as too much water.  But since I can't get thick (freezer type) little baggies that do not breath, I did put the little ziplocks inside a bigger freezer ziplock bag with another, perhaps damper paper towel.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Gabriela on January 28, 2017, 01:03:04 AM
Assuming the dry ephemeral seeds are still alive, I had read how a major problem with rehydrating these types of seeds was that if water is imbibed too quickly, the cellular structures can permanently crack.  The action of certain parts absorbing water faster and expanding faster than other parts creates pressure differentials that cause breakage at the cellular level. This breaking of cell integrity leads to the demise of the seed.  This is why The Kew SID sometimes begins hydration of recalcitrant seeds with high humidity rather than liquid water contact.

Well, at least that’s my very basic explanation.  I dare say, if you want to learn all about recalcitrant seed, this pdf will keep you going:
 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRjPCplOHRAhUk74MKHeCSA9EQFghiMA8&url=https%3A%2F%2Frngr.net%2Fpublications%2Fttsm%2Fch4%2Fat_download%2Ffile&usg=AFQjCNHrCW_b0afzw5Yg1YqGzb6qPeULNw&bvm=bv.145063293,d.amc (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRjPCplOHRAhUk74MKHeCSA9EQFghiMA8&url=https%3A%2F%2Frngr.net%2Fpublications%2Fttsm%2Fch4%2Fat_download%2Ffile&usg=AFQjCNHrCW_b0afzw5Yg1YqGzb6qPeULNw&bvm=bv.145063293,d.amc)


An interesting article Rick, there is still so much to be discovered and clarified about the so called recalcitrant seeds. I like the way they refer to the 'continuum of recalcitrant seeds behaviour'.
It is true that some are more recalcitrant than others and no one has done work to make a proper classification (probably would be impossible). That's why we call all Corydalis to be recalcitrant but for sure some species are less than others and so will germinate after getting dry.

Personally, I started to name the period of time after which such seeds will germinate (after getting dry) -  'the dry allowance'. I should have in a year or two data on few Corydalis sp., Aconitum sp. and Callianthemum.
It would be interesting maybe to start a separate thread for this subject, where all can write their findings.

For Hepatica, there are reports of seeds germinating after 3-6 months of 'dryness'. For Epimedium I kept seeds dry till September (+/- 3 months) and they germinated good enough - no imbibition, just plain sowing in pots.


Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Gabriela on January 28, 2017, 01:12:09 AM
And keep the  seeds  (Corydalis, Trillium... ) after the harvest under plastic with wet paper? Then send them for exchanges in the same packet ...  like this:

I hope that what I write is understandable because I use an automatic translator  :-\

We understand very well Véronique, don't worry  :)
For long term moist storage, keeping the seeds in a small amount of moist vermiculite is a better option than the wet paper.
The moist paper in the enclosed bag can encourage molds and in case the seeds germinate the radicles can get stuck in the paper.

If the Seedex team agrees it would be possible to send already numbered/moist packaged seeds. Some species can be kept in moist vermiculite more than one year with no problems.


Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Diane Whitehead on January 28, 2017, 01:39:32 AM
It sounds good, but it hasn't worked for me.  Starting in 2012 I have received 13 lots of moist-packed
seeds, and not one has germinated.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Gabriela on January 28, 2017, 02:57:44 PM
It sounds good, but it hasn't worked for me.  Starting in 2012 I have received 13 lots of moist-packed
seeds, and not one has germinated.

This sort of general statement is not helpful in any way. What species? From seed exchanges or bought from someone?

Of course, if seeds are not collected at the right time or do not undergo the right warm/cold periods, the fact they are moist packed won't help. I can provide a list with species that will germinate for sure if kept moist properly; some in the second year from sowing (mostly the ones with an underdeveloped embryo when collected).

Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Diane Whitehead on January 28, 2017, 06:43:42 PM
They were all from NARGS from the 2011, 2012, and 2013 exchanges.

one lot each of Anemonopsis macrophylla      Helleborus thibetanus    Hepatica maxima    

two lots each of Jeffersonia diphylla    Jeffersonia dubia

one each Trilllium cuneatum    Trillium erectum   Trillium flexipes f walpolei(cf)

three lots of Trillium flexipes hybrid
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Gabriela on January 28, 2017, 11:02:09 PM
Some of these I never had the pleasure to try. Helleborus and Hepatica I keep/kept moist and germination is fine - but not precisely your species.

The two I can provide info about are: J. diphylla - good seeds kept moist, warm/cold - germination +/- 100%.
Trillium erectum - as well germinates 100% and since I always have more seeds than sell, there is always leftover seeds which I don't get to plant in pots. So, the images below are of T. erectum from 2015 - which remained in the Ziploc bag till 2016, late Dec. ! when were planted in pots (hope I won't be accused of plant cruelty).


Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on January 29, 2017, 08:22:28 AM
This picture of germinating Trillium looks like a treasure for me! :o
When I order and sow Trillium,   I have a dozen seeds only . .. not enough to make a lot of experiments.

As for Jeffersonia, even seeds from my own plant, sown immediately, do not germinate ... but last winter was perhaps not cold enough.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Cfred72 on January 29, 2017, 08:30:08 AM
Gabriela,
The first picture seems to show a very wet vermiculite? Is this how you open the bag? Is it because you rinsed the substrate with the seeds before making the photo? Can you tell us ? Thank you.  ;)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Gabriela on January 29, 2017, 03:29:17 PM
Fred - I never make the vermiculite very wet - only slightly moist. It may seem like that because of the light reflected in the picture.
I use the type with large particles (see image with Corydalis).

Its multiple properties make it an excellent medium not only for storing seeds, but also for growing seedlings, storing bulbs,....Especially for tuberous/rhizome forming species is works wonders.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermiculite
If the seeds germinate while in bags, the fine (feeding) roots will attach to the vermiculite particles and can sustain the seedlings for long periods of time (see Sanguinaria).
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Gabriela on January 29, 2017, 03:34:57 PM

As for Jeffersonia, even seeds from my own plant, sown immediately, do not germinate ... but last winter was perhaps not cold enough.

I already posted about Jeffersonia but here it is again - most often the problem is not the winter cold (4-5C is enough) but the summer temperature.
The embryo needs to reach a certain length (under high temp.) in order for the cold stratification to be effective. See article below:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/2444529?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents (https://www.jstor.org/stable/2444529?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents)

In picture - one year-old seedlings I transplanted in late fall. They form an impressive root system in one season.



Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on January 29, 2017, 04:04:25 PM
Gabriela, if all our plants made such good root systems so quickly I think we would have no worries !
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Tasmanian Taffy on January 31, 2017, 09:41:17 AM
Received my seeds today, thanks for all the hard work to everyone involved as usual a great job well done.
Best wishes to all, John.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Carolyn on January 31, 2017, 08:44:07 PM
Assuming the dry ephemeral seeds are still alive, I had read how a major problem with rehydrating these types of seeds was that if water is imbibed too quickly, the cellular structures can permanently crack.  The action of certain parts absorbing water faster and expanding faster than other parts creates pressure differentials that cause breakage at the cellular level. This breaking of cell integrity leads to the demise of the seed.  This is why The Kew SID sometimes begins hydration of recalcitrant seeds with high humidity rather than liquid water contact.

Well, at least that’s my very basic explanation.  I dare say, if you want to learn all about recalcitrant seed, this pdf will keep you going:
 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRjPCplOHRAhUk74MKHeCSA9EQFghiMA8&url=https%3A%2F%2Frngr.net%2Fpublications%2Fttsm%2Fch4%2Fat_download%2Ffile&usg=AFQjCNHrCW_b0afzw5Yg1YqGzb6qPeULNw&bvm=bv.145063293,d.amc (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRjPCplOHRAhUk74MKHeCSA9EQFghiMA8&url=https%3A%2F%2Frngr.net%2Fpublications%2Fttsm%2Fch4%2Fat_download%2Ffile&usg=AFQjCNHrCW_b0afzw5Yg1YqGzb6qPeULNw&bvm=bv.145063293,d.amc)

In 2015, I did some experimenting with the dried ephemeral seed from the seed ex.
I was blessed by an accidental mistake and received two packets instead of one of Corydalis malkensis (SRGC#1064).  So I had enough seed to try a crude “scientific” trial: 32 seeds planted directly into moist soil and 32 seeds first in a 2x3 inch ziplock bag with a bit of paper towel with the tiniest bit of dampness on it - for 2 weeks, and then planted in moist soil.  Both treatments began on 13 Feb 2015.  While I had planned on working in a cold treatment before spring arrived in Minnesota, it didn’t happen.  They didn’t get their cold treatment until the following natural winter.  They were both treated the same and stayed together through the spring of 2016. 

The RESULTS are encouraging! 
--- The lot planted directly into the soil had no germination.
--- The lot pretreated with 2 weeks of water vapor sprouted 23 out of 32 seeds in March 2016!

Although I didn’t have enough seed to try side by side trials with other species, I did try the same vapor method at the same time with a few other similar type seeds:
Erythronium caucasium
Erythronium revolutum
Cardamine pentaphyllum
Hepatica nobilis

But no seed emergence of any of these. :(

A friend has just given me a few dry seeds of Jeffersonia diphylla. I think I will try to rehydrate them gently in a plastic bag with perlite and a drop of water. I will keep them warm indoors (for how long?), then in the fridge for 3 months. I will report back. Unfortunately there are not enough seeds to do a 'control' pot too. Thanks for the suggestion, Rick.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Claire Cockcroft on February 02, 2017, 11:41:04 PM
At last, the seeds have made their way through USDA plant inspection and were delivered today!  Thank you to everyone involved in the seed exchange.
...Claire
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Jan Jeddeloh on February 05, 2017, 07:17:26 PM
Has anyone from the US who didn't donate seed gotten theirs yet?  Trying to decide if it's time to call the Seattle inspection station and give them a gentle hint.  I'm also still waiting on AGS seed. At this time of year I always have visions of my seed dying on top of a hot computer in Seattle. 

Jan
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: ikizzeki on February 06, 2017, 08:18:12 PM
Seeds arrived here today  , many thanks to all involved!
GREETINGS FROM TURKEY,ANTALYA..
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 07, 2017, 10:31:13 PM
Not having been a donor for this list (I will be next time!), I was not among the first to receive my seeds and in fact it arrived on January 26th and was sown on the 27th, but by golly I bet I am among the very first to have some germination. This morning there is what looks like a 100% germination of Dracocephalum grandiflorum. I'm so pleased to have again after many years, this lovely blue-flowered plant. It was a favourite years ago and always performed well. I suppose I lost it as a result of a house move or something but hopefully it will be at home here.

As well, Leena, if you are looking here, seedlings through this morning of both Iris bulleyana and I. sibirica 'Siberian Spring.' Thanks again for these. I didn't expect germination until perhaps our spring but here they are starting in what we hope is still summer but is beginning to feel like autumn already, so cold, wet and windy it has been.

Although not the best flower time, I am always most excited by the germination of seeds and autumn here is when most from the northern hemisphere start so I'll be up in the air for a while. :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: KK-Ann Arbor on February 08, 2017, 02:34:31 AM
Non-doner US member received partial shipment of seeds today. 
Thank you volunteers involved, donors.
I liked the new labeling system very much!
Koko
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Leena on February 09, 2017, 10:04:59 AM
As well, Leena, if you are looking here, seedlings through this morning of both Iris bulleyana and I. sibirica 'Siberian Spring.' Thanks again for these. I didn't expect germination until perhaps our spring but here they are starting in what we hope is still summer but is beginning to feel like autumn already, so cold, wet and windy it has been.

Thanks Leslie, it is good to know they are germinating. I thought they would need cold stratification first, but apparently not. :) I. sibirica was 'Sibirische Fruhling'.

From seed exchange seeds I have now germinating John's Rhododendron mucronulatum taquetii, two weeks after sowing, and also one seed of Trillium sulcatum has started to grow (in warm vermiculte in zip lock bag) :o
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Susan Band on February 09, 2017, 10:46:03 AM
Thanks for the surplus seed sent to the Perth group SRGC. Usually we give it away to members but when I opened the packet and saw they were named instead of numbered it was great so we charged a nominal fee for them. All sold as people knew what they were getting. A little bit of money to the group funds and lots of happy members.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: johnw on February 09, 2017, 02:01:10 PM
Leena  - PM me with your address if you'd like some more taquettii seed.  Always nice too sprinkle some in a gritty trough and wait.

You will have to select for true ones as we have 2 pink muc. v. ciliatum, 1 muc. very tall and 1 muc. x taquetii nearby.  A goodly number from taquetii come true and are easy to recognize.

Lesely should have a forest of them coming along.

john
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Gabriela on February 09, 2017, 05:24:50 PM
Leena  - PM me with your address if you'd like some more taquettii seed.  Always nice too sprinkle some in a gritty trough and wait.
You will have to select for true ones as we have 2 pink muc. v. ciliatum, 1 muc. very tall and 1 muc. x taquetii nearby.  A goodly number from taquetii come true and are easy to recognize.
Lesely should have a forest of them coming along.
john

Indeed a forest[attach=2] and growing fast! they overtook Rhododendron caucasicum which germinated first.
[attach=1]

Also from Seedx - Incarvillea younghousbandii; slight chance to be true to name but I keep positive for now.

I don't know what happened - the image that shows on top is the Incarvillea.

Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Leena on February 09, 2017, 07:24:48 PM
Leena  - PM me with your address if you'd like some more taquettii seed.  Always nice too sprinkle some in a gritty trough and wait.

Thank you John, but the seed ex seeds were so generous that I think there is enough of them already.  :)
I have also other Rhododendron seeds germinating from Finnish Rhododendron Club seeds, from Finnish origin and crossings, but yours was interesting, and I don't mind if there are also taller growing plants. :) The autumn colour of taquettii was special!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Lewis Potter on February 10, 2017, 12:10:22 AM
My seeds will be sown this weekend, rather late maybe. Im going to be cheeky and ask if anyone has some spare Primula agleniana seed, or where I could get some.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Lesley Cox on February 10, 2017, 01:46:22 AM
Thanks for reminding me Leena, of the correct name for the Iris sibirica seed. I was lazy and wrote the English translation rather than checking the German spelling. I did keep the packet you sent it in though and will add the correct name as the source of seedlings. Seven are germinated by this morning.  :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Jan Jeddeloh on February 25, 2017, 02:01:19 AM
I did get my seed a couple of weeks ago and have planted most of it.  I'm still waiting on my AGS seed.  Not sure it's ever coming.  Sigh.  Really a pain in the you know what having to do the Small Lots of Seed thing.

Jan
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange 2016-17 No. 70
Post by: Maggi Young on March 08, 2017, 04:06:43 PM
I did get my seed a couple of weeks ago and have planted most of it.  I'm still waiting on my AGS seed.  Not sure it's ever coming.  Sigh.  Really a pain in the you know what having to do the Small Lots of Seed thing.

Jan
Very pleased to hear that the US postal authorities have finally delivered Jan's AGS seed.  Better late than never!
SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal