While I hope and presume that the firing of Kent Whealy at Seed Savers
Exchange will not affect the viability of that fine effort, I am
gratified that there are other people who are also working for genetic
diversity by promulgating heirloom varieties. One of those is Baker
Creek Heirloom Seeds, the offspring of Jere Gettle's amazing energy.
He started Baker Creek when he was seventeen years old. His catalog
now offers over 1,200 varieties.
Lucky us, Baker Creek is only an hour north of Heartwood. Chris and I
went up there last year for the spring festival. It's a very real
place. We parked in a big pasture and walked in to find an impressive
number of vendors, presentations, good food and live music. Lots of
people. We browsed through the seed barn bins and bought way too many
seeds. A seed barn is like a bookstore, a place most dangerous to
one's finances.
Gettle is quite the promoter and for 2008 he is doing monthly
festivals. If you get the chance, it's worth your time.