Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Seedy Subjects! => Seed Exchange => Topic started by: Maggi Young on July 29, 2018, 01:14:43 PM

Title: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on July 29, 2018, 01:14:43 PM
The SRGC Seed Exchange

 Changes are being made to the operation of  SRGC Seed Exchange No.72  2018-2019

please click here to see Seed Ex. 72 Notes for members: http://files.srgc.net/seedexchange/SRGC72ndSeedExchangenotes.pdf (http://files.srgc.net/seedexchange/SRGC72ndSeedExchangenotes.pdf)

 
 All seed correspondence and queries by email can be sent to:   seed@srgc.org.uk
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: ian mcdonald on August 21, 2018, 08:20:40 PM
Due to the unusual long hot spell of weather I don,t know if I will be able to collect seeds this year.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on September 03, 2018, 01:42:05 PM
An appeal to members to collect seed and donate it to the SRGC Seed Exchange - this enables seed of  literally thousands of types of plants - many of which are rarely if ever available  from commercial sources - to be obtained and grown by members worldwide. 
 Seed should be fresh and clean of pests and  chaff and sent, before 31st October, to :
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 - this is the email address for ALL Seed Exchange queries/matters

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

Remember, Seed Ex. 72 Notes for members can be found here :
 http://files.srgc.net/seedexchange/SRGC72ndSeedExchangenotes.pdf (http://files.srgc.net/seedexchange/SRGC72ndSeedExchangenotes.pdf)

Many thanks to all those who have already sent  in their seed donations!

There will be changes to the Seed Exchange Online System this year - details will be posted  here in the forum and on the main Seed Exchange page : http://www.srgc.net/site/index.php/extensions/seed-exchange (http://www.srgc.net/site/index.php/extensions/seed-exchange) when those are  released.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Rob-Rah on September 29, 2018, 09:53:43 AM
I'm not actually a member but wanted to ask if non-members are also free to donate seeds. I assume so, but wanted to check first! (I'm sitting on around 100 fresh seeds of Arum purpureospathum that eBay didn't sell)

Best wishes,

Rob.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Carolyn on September 29, 2018, 10:53:54 AM
Yes, non-members are welcome to donate, and we are very grateful for your contributions.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: bainbridges on October 10, 2018, 11:32:23 AM
Rob Rah:  if you sent us the Arum purpureospathum seed anonymously, many thanks for the donation; why not join us an participate to the full?

Seed reception is now in full swing; the photo is Carole adding donated seed to the alphabetical bins that we use for the first sorting...

Please send us your seed by 31st October latest, or e-mail us at seed@srgc.org.uk with a list of what you will be sending to us

Ian and Carole Bainbridge
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: ian mcdonald on October 10, 2018, 07:27:07 PM
I did manage to collect a few seeds this year and they are on their way.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on October 11, 2018, 05:11:25 AM
the photo is interesting, I always wondered how you did to do this work of ant.
if I lived nearer, I would gladly help you!
maybe a few more days to harvest a last species and I send.
this year I have less species to give because of the unfavorable climate
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on October 11, 2018, 07:38:30 PM
A bit more about the Seed Exchange ....
Photo shown previously, with Carole,  shows how the seed  is brought together when it arrives to Carole and Ian from all the  generous  seed donors. Carole and Ian will assemble the list and get it printed.
 
Later it will be divided into  parcels to be sent to more volunteers, who will packet it in individual portions, according to  demand records from previous years. George Watt  is in charge of this  section.   In the last  couple of years the  SRGC has  labelled all the seed with the full name of the plant, rather than just the number, as happened in "the olden days"

When the packeting is done the parcels of packeted seed are returned to the seed team and when the next team of volunteers is ready to begin distribution the  packets are assembled in trays.

[attachimg=1]

These trays are laid out  to be at a good height to allow easier selection for the  picking teams, armed with the member's  seed request lists.
 
[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

[attachimg=4]
When picked, the orders are checked and then made ready to post.   For some countries, this process is more complicated than others - but  the volunteers  beaver away and eventually  all the  seed requests are finished, from initial allocations to surplus requests, and  loaded into sacks each day to be posted around the world to members.

[attachimg=5]

An enormous job, needing a great many people to make it a success - which it always is!

Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: ashley on October 11, 2018, 09:31:31 PM
An enormous job, needing a great many people to make it a success - which it always is!

And deeply appreciated by those of us too far away to help.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: jellyeric on November 16, 2018, 08:29:46 AM
The team members are very great.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Catwheazle on November 18, 2018, 08:30:15 AM
My greatest respect for the commitment !

Bernd
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on November 20, 2018, 02:40:11 PM
Members will notice a  new page on the main website when clicking to access the  SRGC Seed Exchange :
https://www.srgcseed.net/home.asp (https://www.srgcseed.net/home.asp)

The  Seed  Exchange is not  open at the moment - but, of course, old seedlists are still available for research:
https://www.srgcseed.net/seedlistarchive.asp (https://www.srgcseed.net/seedlistarchive.asp)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Mini bulb lover on November 26, 2018, 11:42:01 AM
I love that we can view the seed list a week before ordering. Australian members have to check that all requested seed is on our government's allowed list ::). It's a time consuming process so it's great that we can check the seed list during the week before rather than rushing through it late at night (local time) when ordering becomes available. Thank you!!!!!!  ;D

I notice the online (searchable) list says X= excluded from the US. Numbers 914 and 915 are both Colchicum soboliferum but 915 is marked with an X. Can someone please explain the difference between the two listings? There's no "L" next to them to indicate that one of them is live so I'm not sure what else makes them different. I want to make sure that I only order seed.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on November 26, 2018, 11:49:51 AM
I've passed your query to the Bainbridges, Jon. They  compile the list. 
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on November 26, 2018, 04:45:26 PM
Picture from Sue Simpson....
[attachimg=1]

"Scottish Rock Garden Club -  Next part of the seed exchange - awaiting packaged seed boxes. We will then return unused seed to green boxes."
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: fermi de Sousa on November 27, 2018, 04:05:50 AM
I love that we can view the seed list a week before ordering. Australian members have to check that all requested seed is on our government's allowed list ::). It's a time consuming process so it's great that we can check the seed list during the week before rather than rushing through it late at night (local time) when ordering becomes available.
Bother!
My iPad is so old that it won't show the "I'm not a robot" box to tick so I can't log in to look at the list! >:(
Have to wait till the laptop is not being used!
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Carolyn on November 27, 2018, 06:36:37 AM
Fermi,
You don't need to log in to look at the list. Just click on seed lists and you will find the new list as a spreadsheet.
Have fun!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on November 27, 2018, 10:18:34 AM
There is a PDF format 2018 Seed List here

http://srgc.net/seedexchange/SRGCseedlist2018.pdf (http://srgc.net/seedexchange/SRGCseedlist2018.pdf)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: fermi de Sousa on November 27, 2018, 11:34:33 AM
I notice the online (searchable) list says X= excluded from the US. Numbers 914 and 915 are both Colchicum soboliferum but 915 is marked with an X. Can someone please explain the difference between the two listings? There's no "L" next to them to indicate that one of them is live so I'm not sure what else makes them different. I want to make sure that I only order seed.
Hi Jon,
I think they might be bulblets/cormlets - not sure what the "L" for "live" means - maybe ephemeral seed?
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on November 27, 2018, 11:44:24 AM
I love that we can view the seed list a week before ordering. Australian members have to check that all requested seed is on our government's allowed list ::). It's a time consuming process so it's great that we can check the seed list during the week before rather than rushing through it late at night (local time) when ordering becomes available. Thank you!!!!!!  ;D

I notice the online (searchable) list says X= excluded from the US. Numbers 914 and 915 are both Colchicum soboliferum but 915 is marked with an X. Can someone please explain the difference between the two listings? There's no "L" next to them to indicate that one of them is live so I'm not sure what else makes them different. I want to make sure that I only order seed.

Answer back from Ian Bainbridge -  the second  entry is  'live' - i.e. bulbil.  Paper list will make that clear I'm told.


Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: DaveM on November 27, 2018, 12:37:20 PM
Hi everybody

Thank you for spotting the 'deliberate' error in displaying materials that may not be allowed into certain countries. The database behind the portal is correct and the error is in the display coding. We will correct this asap, please bear with us.

Live material (L) refers to bulbils, bulblets, cormlets etc and these cannot to be sent outside the EU. The X items are excluded  from the USA.

There is a live link to download the pdf seedlist on the seedlist page, once you've logged in.

The portal is new and inevitably there will be some errors in what is a complex system and we will correct errors as soon as we can. If you spot further problems it would help us greatly if you could notify us using the Contact email link. These come directly to us and we can respond quickly.

Hope you all enjoy the seedlist. Orders will open on Saturday ;D ;D
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: DaveM on November 27, 2018, 12:45:19 PM
Ok. It has been fixed - all displays correctly now. Happy selecting!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on November 27, 2018, 05:10:01 PM
This year the  seedlists on the new SRGC Seed Site  do not  contain the facility of a google link to each plant  to help members  make their  choices. In future years the  Seed Team will  provide this  to the Exchange itself, we hope.

I am pleased to announce that Fred has prepared a seedlist  with links to google search so that those wondering about  what  plants might be  so that SRGC members have the same  facility on the SRGC as in previous  years.  You can see that list here : http://srgc.net/seedexchange/searchable/ (http://srgc.net/seedexchange/searchable/)

It will open in a browser window and  you can click on any name to be taken to a  google page of  it - returning to the list  to continue  your  researches at any time.
 We hope this will be of assistance to  SRGC members in choosing their seed - and our THANKS have been sent to Fred!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on November 27, 2018, 05:50:39 PM
This year the  seedlists on the new SRGC Seed Site  do not  contain the facility of a google link to each plant  to help members  make their  choices. In future years the  Seed Team will  provide this  to the Exchange itself, we hope.

I am pleased to announce that Fred has prepared a seedlist  with links to google search so that those wondering about  what  plants might be  so that SRGC members have the same  facility on the SRGC as in previous  years.  You can see that list here : http://srgc.net/seedexchange/searchable/ (http://srgc.net/seedexchange/searchable/)

It will open in a browser window and  you can click on any name to be taken to a  google page of  it - returning to the list  to continue  your  researches at any time.
 We hope this will be of assistance to  SRGC members in choosing their seed - and our THANKS have been sent to Fred!

It seemed a shame this facility  had not been included; it was in the old system from day one and was much used by members. It only took and hour or two to write the required software, so no problem at all Maggi.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: ian mcdonald on November 27, 2018, 07:54:13 PM
Do members who received a postal seed list in the past continue to do so or do we have to register?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on November 27, 2018, 08:15:20 PM
Do members who received a postal seed list in the past continue to do so or do we have to register?
Hello Ian,  all members who receive their journals by post will receive a paper copy of the Seedlist - this is planned to be at the end of November.

 You  can read the  new SRGC Seed Exchange  notes  for members here :
 http://files.srgc.net/seedexchange/SRGC72ndSeedExchangenotes.pdf (http://files.srgc.net/seedexchange/SRGC72ndSeedExchangenotes.pdf)

Those receiving  paper copies may order  by post or  by registering and ordering online, as you wish.  Online ordering is preferred  by the Seed Team as it makes  things simpler for them, all volunteers, of course.

Members can register  now to be ready  in advance of  the exchange opening.....
https://www.srgcseed.net/home.asp (https://www.srgcseed.net/home.asp)

Please use the  "Contact"  option to contact the Seed Team direct  if you have any questions.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: ian mcdonald on November 27, 2018, 09:03:29 PM
Thanks Maggi.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: ChrisB on November 28, 2018, 08:26:39 AM
Hopefully they go into the postal system today with the exception of Canada where a postal strike has created a tremendous backlog and I was afraid they’d disappear, and I have asked for those to be postponed until it’s safe to send them. Anyone with news about this please pm me.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Gabriela on November 28, 2018, 01:16:25 PM
A quick note regarding registration - last night I intended to register since I will have to do it anyway, and browse the seeds list last. As an e-member you are instructed:
"registration for the seed exchange is separate from your membership registration. You must register your e-mail address here, then select the forgotten password option. You will receive an email with a link that will allow you to enter a new password."

On the registration page the only tabs are for 'surname' and 'membership nr'  ??? which I tried with no success, of course.

I also tried to send an email, as instructed and got a big blank page, so I have no idea that the Contact tab works.
Sorry, it seems we are back to the forum again for problems concerning the Seedex.



Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on November 28, 2018, 01:25:48 PM
Sorry, Gabriela,  my information as regards the new system is  very limited.  It seems to  me that as things stand  e-members will not be able to register until the system goes "live" for ordering. This  seems a disadvantage to e-members - which I hope will be  addressed in future.

In the meantime, we must hope for comment from the Seed Team.


Edit :
 I am delighted to learn that e-members are now able to  register, as per  David's  comment  in a post #32. 
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on November 28, 2018, 02:04:28 PM
Sorry, it seems we are back to the forum again for problems concerning the Seedex.

I'm so sorry to read that Gabriela and please accept our apologies for any hassle or stress this may have caused you.  Unfortunately  the forum / web team cannot really assist with this or offer our usual high standard of "instant support"  as the previous online seed exchange has been replaced by a new, much more user friendly system and we have no knowledge of its inner workings or user interface.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: DaveM on November 28, 2018, 02:26:46 PM
Please, Maggi, no one is being disadvantaged. All members - electronic or otherwise - can access the portal now and see the seedlist for this year.

It's just that the registration process for e-members is different: we already have their e-mail addresses from their journal access registration.
To clarify the process for e-members:

Click on the Login tab
Tick reCapture button
Enter e-mail address
Click curser in password box (or tab key from e-mail box) and 'forgotten password?' will appear: click this and the system will send a link to your registered email address so that you can set a password.

Please note that the password must be at least eight characters long and contain a combination of upper case letters, lower case letters and numbers (at least one of each type of character).
Registration is a one-off process for all members. Next year you will be able to login with email and password as set this year.

Once you have set a password you can login. In order to complete your registration please then go to the membership details, check the details we have on your membership and make any corrections.
You must also read our privacy policy and tick the GDPR box - you need to do this before you can order any seed.
Then click Save

Then you will be able to access the online seed list, download a pdf of the printed version, or an Excel spreadsheet.

Please note, the portal will open for orders from  Saturday 1st December.

Enjoy this year's list - we look forward to receiving your order.

A huge thank you to all the donors who make the exchange possible and to the seed team, including packers and helpers who make it happen.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on November 28, 2018, 02:40:43 PM
Please, Maggi, no one is being disadvantaged. All members - electronic or otherwise - can access the portal now and see the seedlist for this year.

Thank you  David, I am delighted to learn that previous  errors  in that area  must simply  have been a hitch.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: ashley on November 28, 2018, 03:06:02 PM
First, my deep appreciation to all who run the seed exchange and design/manage the excellent online ordering system. 

One very humble request: please (oh please oh please ;D) avoid reCAPTCHA next year and forever thereafter if at all possible.  It's so clunky and horrible.  To verify that we are carbon-based could we just enter say the answer to a simple numerical calculation in text, e.g. four minus three equals)?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on November 28, 2018, 03:12:14 PM
I also tried to send an email, as instructed and got a big blank page, so I have no idea that the Contact tab works.
Sorry, it seems we are back to the forum again for problems concerning the Seedex.


Hello Gabriela,
 A recent test of the  "Contact " facility for  the  Seed Team  has  been successful, in spite of the rather alarming  blank page  which you  describe.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on November 28, 2018, 05:24:11 PM
 on REGISTRATION:

Surname    :
Membership No.    :

to left of registration on the menu bar: LOGIN

E-Mail Address    :
Password    :

this is where we have the choice to click on forgotten password


I hope it helps, Gabriella. I took some time to find. because I was already registered.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on November 28, 2018, 06:25:41 PM
It may be worth mentioning that  Surname had to be changed to Family Name on the online postal membership and e-membership pages as it very often caused confusion for members whose first language was not English, the meaning of  Family Name being immediately obvious.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Gabriela on November 28, 2018, 06:30:18 PM
Thanks all.
Reading here I feel the same like when you go to the doctor AFTER you experienced pain and you are not believed (not that was any pain, or stress involved - like suggested).

My posting here was made in the idea of helping the team understand these issues, which can happen on any website (I run my own so I know how it goes). All the work done by everyone from the website/ seedex team is greatly appreciated. 

I didn’t expect an instant answer, but standard practice over a Contact form is to get a note saying ‘your message has been sent or something similar’ not a blank page.

Last evening (around 8 pm Ontario time) on the Login page – the right area was blank, no tabs for email/password showing, that’s why I went to the Registration page.[/b

Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on November 28, 2018, 09:38:42 PM
I can see how a blank page might be confusing. It might be better to have a message to reassure the user.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Catwheazle on November 29, 2018, 06:12:58 AM
agree  ;D
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Mini bulb lover on November 29, 2018, 10:04:01 AM
Hi everybody

Thank you for spotting the 'deliberate' error in displaying materials that may not be allowed into certain countries. The database behind the portal is correct and the error is in the display coding. We will correct this asap, please bear with us.

Live material (L) refers to bulbils, bulblets, cormlets etc and these cannot to be sent outside the EU. The X items are excluded  from the USA.

Thanks for that DaveM.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on November 29, 2018, 11:38:27 AM
Good news from the Seed Team - the google search facility that has been used in
the past  has now been implemented in the browsing seed list, for the convenience of members.  :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on November 29, 2018, 11:50:49 AM
Good news from the Seed Team - the google search facility that has been used in
the past  has now been implemented in the browsing seed list, for the convenience of members.  :)
That is excellent news! It really was an essential feature to have.  :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on November 29, 2018, 01:22:28 PM
Volunteers are  busy  getting the  donated seed  packeted and  back to the various seed exchanges of the organisations they belong to -

[attachimg=1]
"Another box of seeds packed and ready to post back to SRGC and AGS for distribution".

Well done Ian and Roma Smith! The Seed Exes rely on great volunteers like yourselves!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Neil on December 01, 2018, 12:48:39 AM
Done, bit of a problem with the I'm not a robot captcha.  Also had to disable Adblock plus extension for Chrome, for the site to allow the buttons to work.  But other than that all okay.  Thanks to all the volunteers for all the hard working running the exchange.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: kris on December 01, 2018, 02:42:08 AM
the PayPal checkout window does not pop up for me. what is the problem? Am I doing something wrong. I selected the currency as dollar also
Krish
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: CRSHEP0 on December 01, 2018, 03:00:49 AM
I am having same problem.  I initially got to the PayPal button, and clicked and nothing happened.  I jumped back to review, ad, now, I can't even get from the review, to even get back to payment ie:  No button on the bottom of the list to review.  Finally, now, I am locked.  Help.  Cecile
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: kris on December 01, 2018, 03:36:51 AM
I did the same thing and also locked  ;D
Krish
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Jan Jeddeloh on December 01, 2018, 06:45:37 AM
I am also locked out after making my selections.  Can't pay.  Can't even access Paypal.  I sent and email to the seed exchange contact person.  Hopefully somebody will fix the problem and let us know what is going on.

All three seed exes have made changes to their seed exchanges.  It's a lot for my "seedy" old brain to take in.

Jan
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: fermi de Sousa on December 01, 2018, 07:02:14 AM
I can't complain! It worked perfectly well - well I can complain that we were out when the Seedex went "live"  :o
Had to wait till Will finished his coffee before we could race home to do the list ;D
Didn't take long as I'd already checked the list to make selections and make sure they were all on our "allowed" list
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on December 01, 2018, 07:18:46 AM
There appears to be an issue in entering numbers manually the grid -  I was randomly locked out and  had to reset my order and start again from scratch  to clear the problem. 

When I went to Sage Pay  it failed and I was left with this message

This transaction attempt has failed. We are unable to redirect you back to the web store from which you were purchasing. The details of the failure are given below.

5080 : Form transaction registration failed


- I did not try Paypal.

I did manage to delete the order after these problems though, so that works fine.


Edit: 

I tried again with a fresh order but still the same error and now the order appears to be locked. It would also be useful to have the google search facility on the seed selector as it was on the old less user friendly system. I also noticed that when I deleted an order I got no confirmation -  just a blank white screen. I also got left with a blank white scree after attempting to use the contact page, so I have no idea if the message was delivered or not.


None of this is really a problem -  I'm not too worried about getting seed this year, so please don't waste too much time on it.    :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Leena on December 01, 2018, 09:35:46 AM
I got the order well and completed. Sage Pay didn't work, but Paypal worked fine.
Thank you all so much for the seeds and all the hard work in Scotland! :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Paul Cumbleton on December 01, 2018, 10:03:12 AM
Also had problems. Was unable to pay - nothing happened when I clicked on the Pay button. Also, the extra numbers could not be filled in manually, only by clicking on the seedlist. Finally managed to pay by going back to the Review page and re-selecting "go to payment". Used PayPal which worked with no problem.

 Inevitably there will be gremlins with a new system, I'm sure you'll soon have it sorted. Keep up the good work!

Paul
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: allanm on December 01, 2018, 10:20:43 AM
Well done to the new system. 
Paid by Paypal with no problems really.
I can confirm Paul's observation that the surplus seed boxes would not accept keyed in numbers.








Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on December 01, 2018, 11:21:15 AM
I can confirm Paul's observation that the surplus seed boxes would not accept keyed in numbers.
I found the same issue with the main distribution. Totally locked up and could not type in numbers after filling in 1/2 the boxes.

It's not really a big problem though you can either clear  the order, delete it and start a new order or just use the seed selector. There is usually a workaround.   ;)

The Sagepay issue is more puzzling. When a transaction has been completed - successfully or otherwise - Sagepay sends a message back to the host system. The status of the transaction can then be checked and  further payments locked for that order.  That is how the old less user friendly system handled these requests. Properly. With my own order the transaction failed (for whatever reason) and now the order is locked. When I attempt to pay again (or do just about anything else)  I am presented with the now all too familiar blank screen.

Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Dionysia on December 01, 2018, 12:59:29 PM
Having waited in the hope the gremlins would disappear I eventually decided to 'bite the bullet' and try submitting on-line. Had the same problems as Paul Cumbleton, followed his advice and got to the the Sage Pay page only to get an error message '5080 Form Transaction Registration Failed'. Now seem to be completely locked out with no chance of completing the order on-line so have had to resort to good old paper and pen. Sometimes its good to be a technophobe dinosaur. Just hope that as a donor of 20 years +, my position in the pecking order is not affected.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on December 01, 2018, 01:07:50 PM
I'm not at all confident with  these Sagepay errors in may be a format /  encryption error and would use Paypal were it not I am now locked out.  However the Gods may  be looking after me as just 5 minutes ago the paper seed list dropped though my letter box. I'll probably just use that and order by post.  I'm not too concerned about pecking orders / priorities so it's no big deal.  Well done to the seed team for all their good work.   :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: MatthewC on December 01, 2018, 01:32:19 PM
Just completed my order which went very smoothly. Payment by Paypal. I thought the whole system was great. Many, many thanks to all those involved in running the seed exchange from the collection and distribution of seeds to setting up the fantastic ordering system. I particularly liked having the Excel seed list to help prepare my choices. I put a '1' in the column next to my provisional first choices and similarly a '1' in the next column against my provisional second choices and had a simple 'sum' formula at the bottom of each column to add up my choices.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on December 01, 2018, 01:46:35 PM
Having waited in the hope the gremlins would disappear I eventually decided to 'bite the bullet' and try submitting on-line. Had the same problems as Paul Cumbleton, followed his advice and got to the the Sage Pay page only to get an error message '5080 Form Transaction Registration Failed'. Now seem to be completely locked out with no chance of completing the order on-line so have had to resort to good old paper and pen. Sometimes its good to be a technophobe dinosaur. Just hope that as a donor of 20 years +, my position in the pecking order is not affected.
Paul, however you order, I have no doubt that the Seed Team will honour all the  usual  provision of the  priority given to  donors etc.

It is  worth  mentioning for all, that distribution will not begin at all until the New Year ! 
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Graeme on December 01, 2018, 04:06:11 PM
Just completed an order that went okay with payment by Paypal. Huge thanks to all those involved in running the seed exchange.

For the second choices what I did find was that you could not type in the numbers or delete them - however if you have the list up on the left hand side click on the 1st 'second choices' box and then quick double click on the item you want in the list - it then populates the number in the box

So it does work
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: GordonT on December 01, 2018, 04:27:57 PM
completed my main order and went to pay via Paypal, after reviewing the order. Paypal window didn't open at all. My order is now "Locked", and I haven't been able to pay for it.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: OVRGHS on December 01, 2018, 05:20:36 PM
I was putting in an order for the OVRGHS and after I input my main selections and surplus selections, modified the mailing address I couldn't access the REVIEW function. 

I managed to resolve the problem.  The system wouldn't let me change the delivery address.  Once I accepted the default address I could access the REVIEW function and was then able to successfully complete the payment using Paypal.

Thanks to all the SRGC members who work so hard making the Seed Exchange possible and such a success.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: tonyg on December 01, 2018, 05:36:32 PM
Order completed.  Main and Surplus.  I ran into problems twice, each time the problem resolved itself when I logged out of the system and logged back in again.  After the second occasion I found that on surplus order I was able to enter by numbers where this has not been possible beforehand!  Payment by Paypal went through ok

Big thanks  to all involved in the scheme.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Catwheazle on December 01, 2018, 05:41:43 PM
Order completed.  Main and Surplus.
No problems (Paypal)

Bernd
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: kris on December 01, 2018, 06:27:01 PM
Someone please tell me which way to proceed since I am locked .
Krish
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on December 01, 2018, 06:39:16 PM
Sorry Krish, I cannot help you - you need to contact the  Seed Team....
Email them at   seed@srgc.org.uk
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Jan Jeddeloh on December 01, 2018, 07:01:01 PM
I too am one of the locked out people in regards to payment.  Here's what I received this am from David Rankin.

Jan,

A few people have not been able to pay. We are looking into this, and I
will email you again when we know what should be done.

Meanwhile your order has been received, and date-stamped, so your place
in the order queue is secure!

Best wishes,

David
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: kris on December 01, 2018, 08:08:51 PM
Thanks Maggi :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Julia on December 01, 2018, 09:13:29 PM
Hi Just signed up for my seed. But unable to type my password in using my IPad Pro. But once I was on my main computer I was able to type in my password. Also on extra numbers for seed I had to use the list as I was unable to manually enter them. Payment went fine with Paypal.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on December 02, 2018, 08:44:56 AM
Someone please tell me which way to proceed since I am locked .
Krish

Sorry Kris, the web team can't provide our usual high standard of "instant support" that members have got used to receiving over the years. We have had no involvement with this new much more user friendly system. We are in the same boat as you.  :)

The Sagepay interface protocols may not have been implemented properly. It's very  straightforward to make sure payment is not locked until it has been successfully completed. The new system appears to be a work in progress and  hopefully the seed team will get onto it as soon as they can and get the various issues fixed that are affecting members.

I too am locked out (for 24 hours now)  after using Sagepay. My advice (for what it is worth)  would be either use the paper system or, when you are eventually unlocked, try using Paypay rather than Sagepay; members appear to be having fewer issues going down that payment route.

Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on December 02, 2018, 12:01:51 PM
Someone please tell me which way to proceed since I am locked .
Krish

Kris - I've had another look at this - there might be nothing to worry about if your order is "locked"

It looks like there is  a bug (or feature?) that allows users to create a number of seed orders. Presumably the validity these orders will be checked by the seed distribution team?  You could try just ignoring your locked order(s) and creating and paying by Paypal for a new one. The seed team can then cross reference all your orders - locked or otherwise - and process your valid paid for order.  :)





Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: GordonT on December 02, 2018, 02:53:01 PM
Thank you to the Seed Exchange team, my orders were unlocked, and I was able to pay for them via Paypal. In my instance the problem was due to my selection to pay in $ , instead of Pound Sterling... mea culpa! To those outside the UK, be sure to select Pounds for payment currency, and you shouldn't have a problem.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Jan Jeddeloh on December 02, 2018, 05:44:07 PM
Information from David Ranking for anyone locked out of payment who is trying to pay in dollars. 

We have decided not to take dollars for now (and the treasurer, who
eventually woke up, agrees). You need to go to the delivery tab and
confirm the delivery address, then review your order, and then you will
see the payment options. Choose pounds for payment - and allow the
payment system time to complete everything. You should receive emails
from them and from us.

I use Safari as my default browser.  I still couldn't get it to review my orders or even get to payment.  I then switched to Firefox and everything worked.  So moral of the story is that the system doesn't play nice with Safari.

Jan
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: CRSHEP0 on December 02, 2018, 06:10:56 PM
I am still unable to submit my order.  I received instructions from David Rankin to pay in sterling.  Unfortunately, I hit review and then Payment, and nothing moves over to submit payment.  I am in U.S., and problem is not resolved. It only stays on the review section.  I have tried other browsers, besides Explorer, and the action is the same. 
I am concerned if I try again, I will be locked out again. Please help.  I have also done another request to David, just a few minutes ago, that the fix they have proposed isn't working.   Thank you.  Cecile
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on December 02, 2018, 06:17:29 PM
So moral of the story is that the system doesn't play nice with Safari.

Also a bit "buggy" with Google Chrome which is serious as it accounts for more than half of all browser use world wide.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on December 02, 2018, 08:21:16 PM
Information from David Ranking for anyone locked out of payment who is trying to pay in dollars. 

We have decided not to take dollars for now (and the treasurer, who
eventually woke up, agrees).


   To be clear -  the Treasurer is on holiday in New Zealand at the moment - so is entitled to "wake up" whenever he likes!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on December 02, 2018, 08:32:38 PM
To be clear -  the Treasurer is on holiday in New Zealand at the moment - so is entitled to "wake up" whenever he likes!

Indeed. The treasurer does a great job; he is one of the smartest and most efficient people in the SRGC. We are lucky to have him and absolutely NONE of the current issues with the new online seed exchange have anything at all to do with him. 
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: johnw on December 02, 2018, 09:57:47 PM
No problem with the most up-to-date version of Safari or Paypal.

john
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on December 02, 2018, 10:05:10 PM
Excellent news, John - there are hundreds of  orders going through. Lots of folks having a "seedy" weekend!!!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: kris on December 02, 2018, 10:37:10 PM
Kris - I've had another look at this - there might be nothing to worry about if your order is "locked"

It looks like there is  a bug (or feature?) that allows users to create a number of seed orders. Presumably the validity these orders will be checked by the seed distribution team?  You could try just ignoring your locked order(s) and creating and paying by Paypal for a new one. The seed team can then cross reference all your orders - locked or otherwise - and process your valid paid for order.  :)
Thanks For all your help.  I can open my PayPal account and  pay . I can click  the "Send" and pay. When "send" window pops up it asks  either email address  or phone #.  Which phone # or email address  should I use
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: CRSHEP0 on December 02, 2018, 10:39:30 PM
Anybody in USA had their orders go through successfully? Cecile
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: kris on December 02, 2018, 11:05:20 PM
Thanks For all your help.  I can open my PayPal account and  pay . I can click  the "Send" and pay. When "send" window pops up it asks  either email address  or phone #.  Which phone # or email address  should I use
My post may be  a bit confusing.
I meant whether I can open my PayPal account (from a separate window) and pay.

  Are they stopping to take  dollars now for a brief period?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: CRSHEP0 on December 03, 2018, 04:52:26 AM
Happy days are here again.  It finally worked, after at least 5 tries today.  Firefox browser finally picked it up and it shifted to payment, which I promptly did in Pounds.  Kudos to David Rankin for all his efforts.  Thank you, David.

Cecile
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on December 03, 2018, 07:31:58 AM
My post may be  a bit confusing.
I meant whether I can open my PayPal account (from a separate window) and pay.

  Are they stopping to take  dollars now for a brief period?

Can't help you with this Kris, sorry you will have to wait for a response from the seed team.  :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on December 03, 2018, 07:33:57 AM
It finally worked, after at least 5 tries today. 
That's good news. Better late than never.  Thank you for your patience.  ;)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Richard Green on December 03, 2018, 09:08:30 AM
Indeed. The treasurer does a great job; he is one of the smartest and most efficient people in the SRGC. We are lucky to have him and absolutely NONE of the current issues with the new online seed exchange have anything at all to do with him.

Sometimes SRGC people are indeed working to fix problems whilst away abroad on their plant-hunting holidays.  I have been well awake and helping David Rankin to fix problems from NZ whilst others on the other side of the world have gone to sleep!  We have disabled the USD payment option and anyone having problems should select the Pounds Sterling dropdown. The SagePay option is also available as well as PayPal of course.  Many problems are now fixed, so thanks for bearing with us whilst the new system is being refined.
"The Treasurer"
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on December 03, 2018, 11:58:14 AM
Anybody in USA had their orders go through successfully? Cecile

 Yes, Cecile, lots of  American members  have ordered already.  And yours , too!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: ian mcdonald on December 03, 2018, 12:18:24 PM
At the bottom of the main seed distribution form there is the option to agree to email contacts from the SRGC regarding activities and events. I,m not sure that I have been contacted by the SRGC regarding activities and events, by email. Does this include Personal Messages from Forum members?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on December 03, 2018, 12:33:55 PM
No I don't think so,  Ian.  That refers to SRGC contact  from the main club if  a situation should arise when that is  needed. 

Forum registration is a different matter, and you are able to  agree to contact  from others either by private message or email  when you join the forum - and also to change your  settings regarding that at any time.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: ian mcdonald on December 03, 2018, 03:09:59 PM
Thanks for clarification Maggi.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: admin on December 03, 2018, 04:17:27 PM
Any forum member who does not want to be contacted by other forum members can block any or all of them in their profile settings.

Only administrators can't be blocked.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Carolyn on December 03, 2018, 07:49:26 PM
I am pleased to report that over 350 orders were successfully completed and paid for in the first 4 days. As a member of the seed distribution team which will be packing the orders in January, I would encourage as many online orders as possible - these are faster for us to process and make the job easier.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on December 03, 2018, 10:14:22 PM
An excellent number of orders in the first three days, Carolyn! 

Not everyone rushes through the process to order and pay  in their first visit, of course , some like to take their time and  ponder their choices  before  finalising! With all the thousands of seeds on offer, it's  not an easy  decision to make!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: fermi de Sousa on December 03, 2018, 10:50:54 PM
...Not everyone rushes through the process to order and pay  in their first visit, of course , some like to take their time and  ponder their choices  before  finalising! With all the thousands of seeds on offer, it's  not an easy  decision to make!
Before we could order on line I was advised to try to have the (paper) order sent back by the next post in order to get as many first choices as possible because of the time it took for a letter to get to the UK from Australia. Nowadays with the import restrictions I really appreciate the extra time to check the list prior to ordering.
Thanks again to all the Seed Team for the work they are doing to make the process easier
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: kris on December 04, 2018, 03:50:00 AM
Seed order paid today. :)
Thank you seed distribution team . All your help is  greatly appreciated!!!!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: ruweiss on December 04, 2018, 09:31:37 PM
Found the Seedlist with the many rare items in my mailbox today.
Many thanks to the distribution team for their good work.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Carolyn on December 15, 2018, 09:14:40 PM
We now have 430 members who have successfully completed their orders, and a further 90 (including me) who are part way through choosing - so many goodies in the list that it takes a while to choose. The new system helps a lot when choosing and it's great to be able to start an order and come back to it later and do a bit more research using the google search facility embedded in the system.
A small number of orders are "locked" and David Rankin is dealing with this.
If you have any feedback for the team after using the system, please send this to me in a personal message.
Please try to order online rather than using snailmail and you will be helping the distribution team to fulfil the orders more quickly.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on December 17, 2018, 10:32:15 AM
Anyone struggling with the 2018 seedlist in Microsoft XL format might find the more universal PDF format useful.

You can download it here

http://srgc.net/seedexchange/SRGCseedlist2018.pdf (http://srgc.net/seedexchange/SRGCseedlist2018.pdf)
[/url]
Fred posted this link before the online seed ordering was open - but the XL list and  pdf are  available via the seed exchange pages - the pdf is  only visible there once one is logged in. 
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: sippa on December 17, 2018, 03:18:28 PM

Hi Maggie,

I can not find the address where to send my import permit.  Please help, as my husband is going to the post office this afternoon.

Marianne
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on December 17, 2018, 04:24:12 PM
Hello Marianne- your USA Small Lots of Seed  permits and labels  should be sent to:

Neil McNulty
6 Main Road
Crookedholm
Kilmarnock
KA3 6JT
United Kingdom
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: sippa on December 17, 2018, 08:27:41 PM

Thank you Maggie  --  it has been mailed.

Marianne
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on December 20, 2018, 05:04:41 PM
[attachimg=1]

"64 boxes of seed packets received from Scottish Rock Garden Club members- 8 more to go !" - so says Sue Simpson... - the postie has been busy delivering the SRGC Seed back to George and Sue - on now to be distributed in the new year to SRGC Members. Huge operation depending on volunteers from donation to distribution. Seed ordering for members open until January 15th 2019.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on December 20, 2018, 06:55:08 PM
impressive! :D
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: ashley on December 21, 2018, 01:33:10 PM
Yes indeed :o

About how many donations and requests would there be in an average year?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on December 21, 2018, 03:23:09 PM
Yes indeed :o

About how many donations and requests would there be in an average year?

The Bainbridges report that :"  this year  354 donors  have sent in 7300 packets of  seed. Three fantastic donors have  provided over 100 packets each. Thank you to all donors, including the 32 new donors - welcome and thanks to you! This creates a list with  over 4200 numbers on it. 12 people helped with the seed collation, almost 70 with the seed packeting and 30 will help with the  distribution of  ( an expected) 1400 requests. We hope  you like and will benefit from the result of all these contributions! "

 Super, isn't it?
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Yann on December 22, 2018, 09:13:34 AM
That's great news!!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on January 02, 2019, 03:44:04 PM
It is already the  2nd January 2019 -
 so - time for a reminder to  SRGC Members that orders to the  72nd Seed Exchange must be received by 15th January. 
Quickest and surest way to achieve this is by online ordering - see https://www.srgcseed.net/home.asp (https://www.srgcseed.net/home.asp)
 Still plenty time to register and  make your seed request - or to  go back and make sure you have completed an order begun earlier!

Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on January 09, 2019, 12:49:34 PM
Always fun to see the results of previous SRGC Seed Exchanges, flourishing for our members around the world - this time in Japan


YT
 #Narcissus bulbocodium f. pallidus ex. SBL 237” from @ScottishRockGC 2014-2015 Seed Exchange opened its first flower at last 😊
Best greetings to the seed donor and all members of the Seed Team 💖
#スイセン #水仙 #daffodils #bulbs #球根 #球根植物 #花 #植物 #園芸 #ガーデニング

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on January 11, 2019, 12:44:05 PM
beautiful narcissus!
 when will the seeds be sent?

 I have to prepare my equipment!

it takes about a good week to get to my house
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Carolyn on January 11, 2019, 07:16:33 PM
Veronique,
We will be setting up the seed distribution on Wed 16th. It takes us a whole day to get everything in place and ready. We will start picking orders from the 17th and it usually takes us about 9 or 10 days to complete the job. Then you need to take into account any possible delays with overseas postage.
I will take  some photos next week so that you can see what we do.
This week, I am preparing compost, pots and labels for my own order.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Leena on January 12, 2019, 12:11:34 PM
This week, I am preparing compost, pots and labels for my own order.

I was just doing the same, taking compost bag inside because it was frozen solid, and washing pots. :)
Usually I have received my order the last week of January.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on January 12, 2019, 02:38:09 PM
and then I have to push, tidy my old pots (those of previous years) to make room for them in my little greenhouse.
 ;D
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on January 13, 2019, 04:52:08 PM
SRGC Seed Exchange seed is ready to be picked for the distribution to members around the world. Volunteers around Britain have been packeting the seed and the Seed Team will be setting up the layout on Wednesday for the orders to be picked and sent to members. This is Sue Simpson's pic of the boxes of seed ready to go to Threave for that part of the exchange.
Orders for seed are open until 15th January.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: bibliofloris on January 15, 2019, 03:54:52 PM
As a new member, this is my first seed exchange, and I wanted to say thank you to everyone who makes it happen. People who share seeds of treasured plants with gardeners they’ve never met, and who put so much time and effort into making sure that the gardeners who ask for them will receive them (or a substitute they’ve chosen.) It’s magical, to think of seeds coming to me from places I’ve never been, and so full of hope for the gardeners and gardens of the future.

In my “day job” as a writer, we often talk about how we can’t pay back the knowledge and support that were given to us by those who came before us. But we can pay it forward. We can offer what we have, and see what those who are newer to writing make of it. This seed exchange is a beautiful example of that idea (as is this forum!)

I may never grow the treasures you do. But, I learned to garden from people who were not experts, but were willing to share the plants they grew, and what they had learned so far. I will do my best to keep sharing my common, garden-variety seeds and knowledge, in the hope that it, too, will help a fellow gardener.

Thank you,
Kelly (who is so grateful you’re still willing to do the extra steps that allow seeds to reach me in the USA!)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: shelagh on January 16, 2019, 02:02:44 PM
Glad to see Sue's picture of all the boxes. I kept my proof of purchase just in case of a problem but it was reassuring to see it there in it's place..
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Carolyn on January 17, 2019, 10:04:58 PM
Seedex update - we set everything up yesterday - the seeds are now arranged in orderly fashion for speedy picking. The order picking started this morning, with 15 or 16 volunteers helping out. We have now picked about 190 donor-orders and the first ones went off to the post office this evening. Plenty more still to do! We are keeping our fingers crossed that winter weather will not interfere with the job....
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Pennine Wanderer on January 19, 2019, 01:21:48 PM
Seeds arrived safely today. Many thanks to all those who were involved in the exchange, you hard work is greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Dionysia on January 19, 2019, 01:46:04 PM
The postman has also found his way to the south of England. All first choices bar one. Already listed on database and labels written. Hopefully the rain will have stopped by tomorrow and they can be sown in time for this week's forecast frost. Fantastic effort by the seed team to whom we should all be very grateful.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: ian mcdonald on January 21, 2019, 02:44:46 PM
My seed has arrived today. Thanks to the seed team for their hard work.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: David Nicholson on January 21, 2019, 03:03:00 PM
Mine also. Thanks team.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Carolyn on January 21, 2019, 05:15:45 PM
Update - we are still busy dealing with main orders at the moment and will get on to surplus seed later this week. We don't have as many helpers this week. 
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on January 21, 2019, 06:14:02 PM
Photo of SRGC seed packets which arrived today at a member's house ...

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Margaret on January 21, 2019, 06:48:34 PM


Mine arrived today too. Many thanks to Carolyn and helpers.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: goworho on January 22, 2019, 03:53:38 PM
Today I have received the seeds. Almost all of them were on my 'First Choices' list. Thank you very much to all people who were involved in the distribution. You did a great job.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Carolyn on January 22, 2019, 08:14:15 PM
Glad to hear that people are starting to get their seeds - the helpers are always pleased when I pass on your feedback. Today we finished the main orders and made a start on the surplus seed orders. It was snowing as we all set off for home, so I hope the roads will be OK in the morning.
The main orders for USA, AUS and NZ have been picked but not yet posted, as they all get double-checked because of the customs requirements and documentation for the USA ones. Do not stress, your seeds will reach you eventually!
Please do not enquire where your seeds are - the postal services in various countries can take several weeks. Last year the Canadian ones took ages to arrive, but they got there in the end. Patience, the gardener's virtue....
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Gail on January 22, 2019, 09:44:34 PM
My seed arrived safely this morning - very many thanks to all concerned.  :-*
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: ruweiss on January 22, 2019, 09:50:40 PM
My seeds were in the mailbox today, many thanks to all the friends who
did this great job.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: François Lambert on January 23, 2019, 11:36:53 AM
My seeds arrived yesterday :-)

Some seeds are already enjoying a soak before sowing this week-end
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Leena on January 24, 2019, 07:57:13 AM
My seeds are here, thank you for all of involved. :)
Only 21 packets in the letter which 20 are first choices (I guess my second choices were finished), and I'm very pleased. So many new wonderful plants if all goes well. And there are surplus seeds yet to come.. :) :)
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: fermi de Sousa on January 24, 2019, 08:42:36 AM

The main orders for USA, AUS and NZ have been picked but not yet posted, as they all get double-checked because of the customs requirements and documentation for the USA ones. Do not stress, your seeds will reach you eventually!
Hi Carolyn,
waaaay too hot here to sow any seeds!  :P
Looking forward to the seeds getting here and to cooler weather so we can sow them  :)
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Carolyn on January 24, 2019, 07:01:45 PM
Ah yes, Fermi, I remember seeing someone picking your order!
I don't envy you that heat - 20c is fine. We were lucky with temperatures during our trip to NSW.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on January 24, 2019, 07:05:03 PM
Some reports appearing in the social media pages of  seeds arriving with  happy members !
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on January 25, 2019, 04:58:53 AM
the seeds have arrived here. :)
 thank you all
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Neil on January 25, 2019, 10:21:55 AM
My thanks to the distribution team and all the donors, my seeds have arrived. 
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Catwheazle on January 25, 2019, 12:39:50 PM
Seeds have come today. Almost everything according to my choice :-) ..... The weekend is saved ;-)

Many thanks to the distribution Team and all the donors  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: barnclos on January 25, 2019, 01:35:20 PM
Seeds arrived today. Many thanks to everyone who contributed, either as seed donors or with the distribution.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: doc snyder on January 25, 2019, 06:15:12 PM
Seed has arrived!!!

So exciting!!!

Thanks a lot to the members who enabled the Seed Ex

Best regards,

Thorben
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Carolyn on January 25, 2019, 07:11:57 PM
Update - we finished picking the orders today. Tomorrow the last few orders need to go through the franking machine and then be taken to the post office. All that remains after that is double checking the AUS/NZ orders as they need an accurate list of seeds for customs and of course, the USA orders, which need special paperwork.
Tomorrow I am going to walk round my garden and inspect the contents of the greenhouse and cold frames, which have had no attention recently. Bliss!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: johnw on January 25, 2019, 11:36:32 PM
The SRGC seeds arrived earlier this week, my thanks.

johnw - +5c & partilally overcast
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Derryclare on January 26, 2019, 09:08:48 PM
Thrilled at the arrival of my seeds a few days ago, beautifully packed.  They now have labels and are ready to be dealt with.  Thank you to all who helped in this process.  Life after snowdrops!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Helga on January 29, 2019, 08:58:16 AM
I also got the seeds yesterday! :D
Thanks to everybody involved!!!
And nearly all are my first choices, I'm soooo happy! ;D
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Véronique Macrelle on January 30, 2019, 06:23:27 AM
Surplus seeds  have already arrived yesteday! ;D
   still 50 news bags to germinate: work for  today!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Cgull49 on January 31, 2019, 04:16:00 PM
My seed Main Seed order arrived on January 30 Yahoo!  Thanks for all the work done by the Seed Exchange Organization and thanks to all those who donated seed.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Leena on February 01, 2019, 09:10:18 AM
Surplus seeds are here, thank you!! It will be a happy sowing week-end.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: fermi de Sousa on February 01, 2019, 09:13:45 AM
The Main Orders from the SRGC Seedex have started to appear here in Australia - mine arrived today and I've heard from 2 others who've also got theirs.  :)
Only missed out on 2 x First choices but all the seeds are welcome.
Thanks to Carolyn and all the Seed Team,
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Edgar Wills on February 01, 2019, 11:03:51 AM
The seeds also arrived here yesterday, many thanks to everyone that made this possible!
Will be quite busy sowing the first vegetables as well as all the seeds from the exchange this weekend. :D
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: cosine_alpines on February 04, 2019, 10:27:23 PM
seeds arrived today here in rural Appalachian Virginia, USA. Apologies for such a prescriptive set of surplus blocks - I'm overjoyed with everything I received and want to send my deepest thanks to the seed team for fulfilling what must have been the most aggravating order of the year.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Carolyn on February 05, 2019, 07:51:49 PM
my deepest thanks to the seed team for fulfilling what must have been the most aggravating order of the year.

Oh, there were a few of those!.....
Wishing you success with your seeds.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: sippa on February 07, 2019, 11:24:01 PM

Hello,

I received m
y seed in Vermont a few days ago.  Thank you all the people involved.  I was a little disappointed not getting the seed I really wanted P. henrychii.  Maybe next time.  It is very hard for primula enthusiasts to get unusual seed.

Greetings from snowy Vermont
Marianne
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: bibliofloris on February 14, 2019, 04:02:59 PM
Received my seeds yesterday — I’m thrilled! Now, if only the snow would melt so I could start planting...

Thanks again to all the SeedEx volunteers!
Kelly
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: bibliofloris on February 23, 2019, 10:55:44 PM
Surplus seeds arrived today too! Thanks again to all the donors and volunteers!
— Kelly
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on February 28, 2019, 11:39:36 AM
This is of  import to Australian members -  thanks to  Jon Ballard and fermi de sousa  in Victoria, Australia for these notes.
 Jon Ballard has put together this advice for all Australian members of overseas Societies which have Seed Exchanges or order seeds from overseas sellers

"The AGS VG strongly recommends that all members check BICON before ordering seed from overseas. If you order any seed from overseas without checking that it’s on BICON first then all of the seed in the envelope (both allowed and not allowed) will be returned to the sender. You’ll receive nothing. This is a new policy brought in by the Department of Agriculture in April 2018. They no longer destroy some seed and forward the rest to you (there are some inconsistencies occurring but on a whole seed packages are being returned to sender). We’ve had multiple members reporting that their seed has been returned.

"The danger is that If the seed exchanges receive too many envelopes back they might stop sending seed to anyone in Australia. We’ve already had one international society indicate that this system is becoming unworkable. Multiple commercial suppliers have already stopped sending seed to Australia because of this new way of processing imports. It is not worth the risk to jeopardise the international seed exchanges for everybody by hoping that the seed won’t be checked."
 

Thank you Jon for this advice!
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Claire Cockcroft on March 06, 2019, 07:31:23 PM
I am so jealous of all those who got their seeds already.  My surplus seed order arrived yesterday (March 6).  The main order has not yet arrived!

The delay is not the fault of the exchange.  I think the seeds were held up by the agricultural inspection station.
...Claire
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: bibliofloris on March 10, 2019, 08:01:07 PM
I hope the rest of your seeds make it through soon, Claire - especially now that the weather here is better for planting!
Kelly
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Claire Cockcroft on March 13, 2019, 01:47:04 AM
Many thanks for all the volunteers at the seed exchange.  My main seed distribution selections arrived today (March 12).  Most of my first choices were filled and the alternates are very welcome.

It was a long wait!
...Claire
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: AnJo11 on March 29, 2019, 10:25:33 AM
I would contribute to your seed supply;
I can do that with many species, I can collect seeds from my own land, but mostly of my plants are not rocky garden plant, in the usual sense, they are growing in a rocky land, with poor draining more or less acidic soil.(shale bedrock)
I can soon collecting seeds of a half dozen species and / or varieties of cyclamen, hardy to Z7 or more, several species of hellebores and fertile hybrids of H. orientalis group, hardy minimum Z, acidic and drought tolerant, and soon afterwards seeds of paeonia mascula, from a wild local strain, apparently now extinct, and which I multiplied a lot.
And later from some other paeonias species.
Most of these seeds do not like dry storage too much, and normally I harvest only on precise demand.
I can assume a fear of storage in the fridge until your reception period, knowing that a sowing in autumn is preferable for these species.
And I can of course harvest seeds for most species on my list, without guaranteeing success for each one, not yet retired and still very busy with my job.

But I need to know what is useful and interesting to harvest, and how to proceed for the expeditions.
And conversely, how to order certain species, knowing that I usually leave France around January 15th, for a return at the beginning of March (this year, around the 15th too);
right in the period of orders and shipments of seeds ... ::)
I often collect exotic seeds during my travels, for my correspondents living in warmer regions  8)(Z9 minimum, and warmer), but this can sometimes also interest "Nordic" collectors ... let me know if it's useful that I propose that...

I have also a lot of hardy cacti, Z7 to supposed Z5.
someones could be interest some people. But most of them haven't exact ID, most of them were obtained by sowing, and re-sowing of the rare survivors, may be hybridized, the varietal purity not being my goal, (for any of my species I use that matter) but the resistance to the climatic conditions of more and more harder in my area.
Only the survivors interest me, not their pedigree, because the optics is that they can push without watering, and qyasi without human intervention once implanted ...

Idem for agavaes, but they don't give seeds yet.

My favorite breeding method is sowing, and even if I get plants in vegetative form, this remains the goal.
As soon as I have enough seeds, I sow in difficult, even terrible conditions, and only keep the dynamic survivors, which I then re-sow;
So, for exemple,  I got humilis chamaerops that laughed softly during the 2018 and 2012 cold spells, with negative T ° peaks close to -20 ° C for days, and alternates brutal freeze / thaw during weeks...
I had planted kilos of seeds, harvested from individuals surviving the cold wave of 2018, and I continue, for a veeeeery tiny percentage of survivors ...but I have a lot of ground to do these tests, that I let evolve without intervention, and that I am sometimes surprised to find years after I have forgotten them! ;D
(but these ones are realy slow growers, and still don't give seeds);

So, if you can give me some precise indications, I would be happy to contribute ...
@
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on March 29, 2019, 12:52:48 PM
Antoine, if you  look at this  page  : https://www.srgcseed.net/seedlistarchive.asp (https://www.srgcseed.net/seedlistarchive.asp)   you will see  previous  SRGC Seed Lists and  be able to see the  range of  plants included  there.
There is  no  problem with you  offering seeds, even of  non-alpine  plants to other  forumists  in these pages.
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: AnJo11 on March 29, 2019, 07:55:20 PM
I have been to see the last list, the offers are very varied, well beyond the rock garden.

So, I think I have a lot of plants that could interest people ...
Title: Re: SRGC Seed Exchange No.72 2018-2019
Post by: Maggi Young on April 02, 2019, 11:58:39 AM
2019 SEED DISTRIBUTION
All the seed requests have been processed and most have been posted, apart from a few USA ones awaiting their permits.   Thank you to all those who donated seed and thus made the seed exchange possible and thanks to the hundred or more volunteers who helped the three teams make it all happen.
This year we thought we had all the documentation sorted out for the Antipodes.   However, Australia then implemented a harsh blow for any member who had not checked their seed request against the acceptable list - the whole order was destroyed, not just the inadmissable taxa.  Fortunately, most of our members were diligent and received their seed.
Japan surprised everyone by suddenly refusing all seed unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate.   This is not difficult to obtain; however the inspector has to examine the seed in every packet closely - and charges the client for his time.   This proved to be a costly business and put seed out of the reach of most members.   Hopefully Japan may follow the example of USA and adopt a Small Lots Permit for non-commercial exchanges such as ours.
Good luck with germination and start collecting seeds to donate soon!
  Notes for  donation of  seed : https://www.srgcseed.net/seed_donations.asp (https://www.srgcseed.net/seed_donations.asp)

Carolyn McNab
Seed Distribution Manager
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