It’s always a great day when our NARGS seed order arrives, as it did yesterday. So, what is a NARGS, you ask? NARGS is the North American Rock Garden Society, a group of rather intense gardeners from across North America, with some members scattered worldwide. NARGS has what I’m pretty sure, is the worlds largest seed exchange, which often numbers over 3,000 different offerings. These are seed of mostly small-growing plants for plant collectors and similar enthusiasts, and not a group for those who focus on vegetables and common colorful annuals.
NARGS members donate seed of “rock garden” style perennials and shrubs from both garden and wild collections made around the world. Without the contribution of their members, there would be no exchange. In many cases, there may not be another source of these seed anywhere in the world. The received seed are distributed to local chapters around the country, whose members volunteer time to sort them into smaller packets, and eventually, to fulfill member orders. This incredible task of cataloging, sorting, and filling orders represents many hundreds of volunteer hours. Whether you know it or not, the contributions of NARGS to promote the sharing of plant germplasm and ex-situ conservation is legendary. Things that we take for granted, like the USDA Small Seed Import Permit, would not exist without the efforts of NARGS.
I’ve been a member of NARGS, as well as our local chapter for over 35 years, and it and the seed exchange has been a source of many of the amazing treasures in our garden. Whether you have a local chapter near you, would like to start one, want to attend a National Convention, or just want to be a part of the seed exchange, I highly recommend this incredible organization. You can find out more, and join the seed exchange fun at NARGS.org.
Thanks for the promo of NARGS, Tony.
This is how i started inter sowing, with all the free seeds rom my NARGS membership. Good results with most of them.
I love my NARGS seeds. And the second round too. Oddly enough, sometimes it’s the only way I find local native species from people far away. It’s really interesting when the source is listed as near me or I know the range is very narrow and my state only, but the source is across the country. Of course some people like you Tony, make contacts and get around, but it’s still amusing.
I have never been able to limit myself to only growing natives, but they do tend to survive Florida better than say things from Massachusetts or the west coast eco systems. A lot of seeds germinate better here if I can get them started while we still have a bit of cold. So soon I will be starting more trays of seedlings. I love growing seeds.
I helped pull seed orders at DBG earlier this month — enjoy! There truly are great treasures in this seed exchange.