Seed Exchange

For the past few years, people have encouraged me to exchange seeds grown in excess on the property.  I have resisted this because until recently there has always been more places to plant.  Nonetheless, I now am willing to collect some seeds for exchange.  This will allow me to obtain new species from you.  Be aware, that these seeds are acclimated to S.E. Minnesota about 40 miles S.E of Twin Cities.  To contact me click here. Richard Rickert   In return, I would be interested in seeds that will survive a zone 4b.  Below are some of the seeds that I have collected. 

Anise Hyssop (Agastache Foeniculum)

This was one of the first native plants that I fell in love with.  Many years ago, I planted a 2 by 8 foot patch from seeds that I had collected.  It took two years before flowers appeared. Today, many years later, the same patch is about 4 by 12 feet.  They are beautiful in mass planting.  I have successfully planted their seeds now in many places.   Not a common plant in Minnesota. 

Ravenna Grass (Erianthus ravennae)

This was the second plant that I fell in love with.  This perrenial (for me in Minnesota) will take many years to get large.  Once started, they spread via rhizomes very slowly.    Anyone who wants a tall ornamental grass and who is willing to wait about 5 years will love this plant.  It grows about two feets taller each year.  The plumbs last and are beautiful.

Purple Locoweed (Oxytropis lambertii)

This native is my current love.  It takes several years before it blooms.  The plant has very little folliage, mostly flowers.  What is most  stricking about this plant is its attraction to Monarch butterflies.    In all my years in Minnesota, I only know of three locations where this plant grows in the wild.  It is quite uncommon.   I have never seen this plant or its seeds for sale from any nursery. Very limited supply.  I use most of the seeds myself.  I still don't have enough for me.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

This native does well in sandy dry soil.  It is sometimes called Common White Yarrow. 

Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

This native, also, does well in sandy well drained soil.  It's flower is yellow and has real nice folliage.  Its a biennial (takes two years to grow).  The first year it develops beautiful fuzzy folliage no more than 6" tall.  The second year it develops a long 5' or 6' spike with yellow flowers.  It adds verticle structure to a garden and maintains its vertical structure through the winter.  The Romans used them to make torches.