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. With the passing of another year and its
worries brought on by economic
uncertainty, the war in Afghanistan and
the Swine Flue we can always retreat to
the pleasure our gardens provide – a
serene setting requiring only our love and
work. The rebirth of our gardens in the spring
always brings a sense of renewal and
hope. I never fail to be amazed that a
handful of seeds can produce a miracle of
colour and joy all season long. I think that
this annual renewal that gardeners
experience leads to their eternal optimism.
This enthusiasm for the future permeates
the conversation of all the people we meet
at the flower and gardening shows and in
the numerous letters and emails we
receive throughout the year. Perhaps
psychiatrists should recommend that their
patients take up gardening as a way of
helping them cope with their lives. It seems this year the shows are earlier
than usual; perhaps a sign of global
warming. This year we will be at the
following shows: May 2010 be a safe, happy and healthy
year. And remember to visit our website
and keep up to the latest plant news. 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 2010 Catalogue
To receive a free catalogue please phone,
fax or write:
Florabunda Seeds, 1973 Villiers Line, RR1, Indian River, ON Canada K0L 2B0 | (705) 295-6440 (TEL) | (705) 295-4035 (FAX) | contact@florabundaseeds.com
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
1973 Villiers Line, RR1, Indian River, ON Canada K0L 2B0 | (705) 295-6440 (TEL) | (705) 295-4035 (FAX) | contact@florabundaseeds.com
(705) 295-6440 [TEL] - (705)295-4035 [FAX]
