Stonecrop Garden’s Index Seminum and Rarium
Seed collecting is a vibrant and valuable part of our work at Stonecrop. Stonecrop staff and interns collect seeds from hundreds of the choicest plants grown in the garden. Whilst much of the seed is used at Stonecrop itself, ensuring the continuity and purity of our own plant collections, a limited quantity of over 600 varieties are offered to other gardeners each year, thereby disseminating rare and interesting seeds to the public. Our seed catalogue, or Index Seminum, is a carefully annotated description of each item, which many long-time Stonecrop members keep and use as trusted horticultural references.
This encyclopedic list of plant names and descriptions can seem somewhat daunting. However, the Index Seminum is divided into sections based upon both the type of plants offered and their broad cultural requirements. The categories are:
• Annuals for Sun
• Ornamental Grasses
• Perennials for Sun
• Woodland
• Bulbs
• Alpines and Rock Garden
• Shrubs and Vines
• Wildflowers
• Pots/Garden (overwinter indoors)
Each description includes flower colour, bloom time, foliage characteristics, overall height, cultural requirements, and country of origin. Botanical names are checked for accurate nomenclature and common names provided where available. Planting suggestions, interesting botanical facts and field observations are also included.
Pricing is as follows:
- Index Seminum - $2 per packet; $1 for members
- Index Rarium - $3 per packet; $2 for members
- Copy of the Index Seminum/Rarium - $5; no charge for members
- Postage for seed orders within the continental US - $5
Please note that Stonecrop Gardens is not in the commercial seed business. Quantities are limited, and orders are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Whilst many of the seeds on offer are garden staples and come from well-established plantings that we harvest year after year, the Index itself is in constant revision. Every year new plants are added as we expand our plant collection and mature plantings begin to produce reliable seed crops. Occasionally plants fail to produce viable seed or are too ephemeral to catch ripening, and must be omitted from the list for that year. Even with the best of intentions, we often cannot get to every ripening seed in the 12 or more acres of gardens. The Index Seminum is typically published in February each year. It is always best to place your order early as many seeds do go quickly or are only available in limited quantities.
The deadline for ordering this year is April 30, 2008.
Please click on the following links to view and download the 2007/2008 seed catalogue, keys, and selection form.
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