NEW!: We now have Brugmansia suaveolens available in white, yellow and pink. We currently have limited amounts of Black Knight and Painted Lady Sweet Peas in stock.
WELCOME TO FLORABUNDA SEEDS
Florabunda Seeds is a company dedicated to preserving old species of flowers, many of which are the parents of today's modern hybrids. These are the flowers of the English cottage gardens of the past, often having been salvaged from abbeys and monasteries in England in the middle ages. Others were brought back to Britain by plantsmen who were sent out on plant-hunting expeditions around the world.
Modern plant breeding and hybridization has turned the public's eye away from many of our precious heirloom flowers, including the original species and the old, named heirloom varieties. By preserving and circulating these seeds we help maintain a strong genetic plant base, thus ensuring their survival. Our flowers have a long and colourful history and you can read many of the stories they have to tell.
What is a cottage garden?
Cottage gardens began as the small parcels of land allotted to peasants to grow plants for their own use. Early cottage gardens were survival-oriented, as were the gardens of settlers in North America. They contained masses of vegetables, medicinal herbs, fruits and useful flowers.
Over the centuries the cottage garden continued, oblivious to current trends, although flowers played an increasingly prominent role. It became a role model for some of the more radical garden designers of the nineteenth century who adopted its unpretentious style of haphazard profusion, of accidental splendour. They chose simple abundance over some of the more rigid designs that were popular at that time. Another growing season has passed us by.
In spite of the late freeze up last winter
(we could still dig in the garden in early
January) my concern about our perennials
not making it through the winter were
unfounded. We did not lose any. Our
bulbs were a riot of colour in the spring.
The gardens got off to a good start but
with the extremely dry summer, our
plants were showing signs of stress by
mid-July. Our pond went dry and since
we are on a well, irrigation was out of the
question. I hope that this is not a sign of
things to come. Being a gardener, I am always optimistic
about next year’s gardens being “bigger
and better”. This year I found some new
sweet peas, a beautiful soft chocolate
coloured morning glory and a new, even
larger castor bean. We would like to thank
our customers for their support and
patronage. The comments and feedback we receive
are taken seriously and notes and pictures
that you send us are appreciated. Please
fax, phone or e-mail us with any
questions, concern or just to say hello. May 2008 be a safe, happy and healthy
year Dirk
Things you should know about
We are a family owned business.
Although we are based in Ontario, our seeds go to many countries and so we have chosen varieties which will thrive in a wide diversity of climates.
Our seeds are packaged by seed count and the amount in each package is generous. Sowing instructions and hints are found on the back of or inside the package. We package varieties with small seeds in glassine envelopes that are placed inside the larger paper seed envelope.
Annuals are plants which complete their life cycle, flowering and going to seed in their first year. They have the longest bloom season.
Biennials grow strong plants in their first season which bloom in their second season and self-seed, then die providing their own replacements for the next year. They are self perpetuating.
Perennials' leaves die back in winter and renew growth each spring. Some bloom first year from seed and others start in their second year. They often live for decades. Bloom time is generally shorter.
We want you to have a successful and enjoyable experience with the seed we supply. Suggestions, photos, stories and seed samples are welcome. (We will exchange seeds with you if you send us some!)
Welcome to the
2008 Catalogue
To receive a free catalogue please phone, fax or write:
Florabunda Seeds,
Box 3, Indian River, Ont, K0L 2B0
(705) 295-6440 [TEL] - (705)295-4035 [FAX]
FLORABUNDA SEEDS:
All seed is untreated. Our seeds are fresh and you should expect a bountiful yield, given the right growing conditions. If for any reason you are not happy with our products, we will be glad to replace the item, substitute for another variety or refund the purchase price.
"The love of gardening is
a seed that once sown never dies"
Gertrude Jekyll, English plantswoman.
"Earth laughs in flowers"
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Hamatraya 1847
"The smell of violets, hidden in the green
Pour'd back into my empty soul and frame
The times when I remembered to have
been Joyful and free from blame."
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
ARE WEDDING BELLS IN YOUR FUTURE?
Florabunda Seeds can supply you with seed packets and custom labels to use as wedding favours. This thoughtful gift will bloom yearly and your guests will have an annual reminder of both your wedding and your happiness.
ATTENTION FUND-RAISERS
If you're rallying the troops in a fund raising drive then put Florabunda Seeds on your team. Seeds have proven to be a popular sales item in fund-raising drives for such organizations as: choirs, schools, churches, horticultural societies, scouting groups, clubs and associations.
Because of their low price point, environmentally friendly nature, low shipping costs and ease of storage they invariably prove to be overwhelming favourites of fund-raisers everywhere. Please call us to discuss your project and we'll be happy to advise you on appropriate seeds, custom packaging and costs.
Welcome | Products | Catalog | Order
Members of:
Seeds of Diversity Canada
Canadian Organic Growers
Peterborough Chamber of Commerce
Peterborough Horticultural Society
©1999-2001 Florabunda Seeds
Box 3, Indian River, ON Canada. K0L 2B0
(705) 295-6440 [TEL] - (705)295-4035 [FAX]
E-mail: contact@florabundaseeds.com
www.florabundaseeds.com
