A Few of His Favorite Things: Ken Greene

Posted in Shop/Book Reviews on December 16 2010, by Plant Talk

Ken Greene, co-founder of the Hudson Valley Seed Library, is one of the most honest plant people we’ve ever met.  Ken cares about plants in a way that is inspiring, moving, and intoxicating. At the Hudson Valley Seed Library he and his band of seedy friends are leading a full-blown local seed revolution. The Seed Library is a throwback to a time when seed sellers put fascinating pictures on their packages and pithy descriptions in their catalogs, to a time when every kitchen gardener saved his or her favorite seeds and passed them down from generation to generation. To that end, the Seed Library sells memberships (ed. note: we think a Seed Library membership makes a great holiday gift!) that offer discounts to those growers who return some of their seeds to the Library in an effort to expand the pool of Hudson Valley-grown varieties. Ken also commissions a group of local artists each year to illustrate beautiful Art Packs for a handful of varieties.

As you can tell, we really like Ken and the Seed Library (And we’re not alone. Check out this great profile from the New York Times). They’re helping preserve local plant diversity and educating a new generation, teaching them that gardening isn’t just a way to eat good food, it’s also a thoughtful act that resonates through generations.  We were delighted when Ken agreed to share his list of “Favorite Things” for holiday giving. As you’ll see, Ken always has seeds on his mind. Who knew seeds could act as inspiration for such beautiful gifts?

For the Host or Hostess
A seed inspired pot! Seed pods are amazing natural works of architecture. These Aged Terra Cotta Poppy Pots are both functional and beautiful and help us appreciate the beauty and complexity of plants that have gone to seed. These planters are a reminder to enjoy your garden’s full life-cycle from seed to flower, to fruit, to seed.

For the Gardener
Wendy is one of the artists who designed a seed pack for us. She’s a wonderful illustrator and a great teacher. Even if you are not an aspiring artist, Wendy’s book, Botanical Drawing in Color, will teach you how to carefully observe your garden plants—which will help you become a better gardener.

For Me
I love gifts that support important garden focused organizations like NYBG. I also think that the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is one of the best winter escapes in the city. The Gift of Membership supports the gardens and gets you into the greenhouse when you need a warm and uplifting break from winter. A gift that does double duty.

For Him
Eating local isn’t just about fresh fruits and veggies; it’s also about making things from summer’s bounty that can be preserved and enjoyed in the winter. Katchkie Farm Tomato Jam is a scrumptious way to enjoy local tomatoes in the dead of winter. We’re working with Katchkie Farm next season. They are becoming seed stewards for one of our New York heirloom varieties.

For Her
I’m all for bringing the garden into the home. These small Botanical Specimen Porcelain Trays do just that. Although NYBG says they can’t bear to put anything in them, they look just perfect to me for that handful of seeds you just harvested that need a place to dry before being stored until next spring.

For the Artist
Looking at antique seed catalogs and garden books is part of what has inspired the Seed Library from the beginning. This 2011 Garden Wall Calendar will inspire writers, artists, and  garden dreamers to seek out heirloom varieties to add to their 2011 garden plan.

Want more gift suggestions from your favorite bloggers? Then watch this space! We’ll be featuring many more in the upcoming weeks.