February 26, 2010

Generousity and the Human Spirit

This post is personal -
I received a care package of heritage vegetable seeds, 21 packets, last week. I want to post a public thank you for this generosity and it has taken me this long to be able to express what this kindness really means to me. The seeds were obviously specially picked out to suit my climate, even an oriental vegetable for fall planting. The seed name, seed seller and days to maturity were clearly written on the tiny kraft envelopes. How did she know my distaste for plastic and my belief that seeds need a breathable container for storage? There is more seed in each envelope than I got in any envelope I have purchased in the last 5 years. They are rare and wonderful varieties which get my dopamine going in fantastic anticipation of the food they will produce. They are seeds for plants that I can save the seed from, to have for all time. I really believe everything I grow or can save seed from will be a survival inheritance for those who come after me. Did I mention 21 packets?! Not a small expense for me. More people are eating from my garden this year than ever before, we will not be short of food.

Who is this wonderful gift to me? Kelli at How My Garden Grows Go check her blog out. She can do magic with plants, just look at how much food she produces in her front yard garden. I know some of this magic was shipped with my seeds. She is studying to be a master gardener and her posts are interesting and full of new ideas about modern gardening. Last fall she did a comparison taste test with her heirloom tomatoes. And wouldn't you know it she sent me seeds for both the best tasting varieties. She knows I grow hot peppers in my house and she sent me seeds for miniature sweet peppers so I can have them all winter too.

I have had very bad luck buying good seed, wasting a lot of time and money. A stranger's kindness can reach across the continent to be an answer to my prayers. As much as I love the seeds it is the personalized gesture of compassion, so rare in my world, that makes my heart swell the most. Thank you.

14 comments:

  1. This is such lovely gesture. Saving seeds from those plants will surely be most inspiring thing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh Ruth what a wonderful thing, the kindness of strangers.

    ReplyDelete
  3. How wonderful! That is what I need,someone who knows what they are doing to plan out my seeds for me! I am disappointed every year by some of my selection that just weren't suited to my area. What a wonderful gift to you! Can't wait to see how all your new seed does this summer!

    ReplyDelete
  4. How wonderful! Kelly was my first follower to my blog, and I love her posts. It's always nice to know there are others out there managing to do the best they can for their families, even with screaming kids about and all that goes along with it! I know you will both have good fortune in your gardens this year and I look forward to watching all that they produce. When it all goes to hell, it's nice to know we can count on each other to keep our gardens going!

    ReplyDelete
  5. people can be very nice I have always found

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are very lucky to have a friend like Kelly! I am hoping to start saving heritage seeds for future use. I've been going to do it for several years. This year I mean it! I've obtained a bunch of heritage seeds as a start and hopefully, will not have to buy any again!

    ReplyDelete
  7. a gift beyond measure! you are blessed to have such a friend.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You deserve this. Good luck with the new season!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you all for your kind words and support. Peace for all

    ReplyDelete
  10. What an amazing gift. A beautiful photo, too!
    Truly you have a good friend there : )
    Best wishes to you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a wonderful gift. I can't wait to see what you grow!
    Peace

    ReplyDelete
  12. awww thats a gift to literally last a lifetime!!! how wonderful... i'm wondering what zone your in... i'm in 7 to 8 (depending on the winter)... those tomatoes in the photo are making my mouth water!!! i have such itchy feet for garden season....

    ReplyDelete
  13. You do deserve this, it was a small gesture in comparison to all the knowledge and kind words you have shared with me over the last year, so thank-you RuralRose! :)

    ReplyDelete