In January, I posted about the Smithsonian Institutions collection of seed packets and showed some of the beautiful seed-packet artwork featured in the collection (mostly from the 1880's-1920's). Seed packets from most companies today are pretty functional; they show a photo or illustration of the variety on the front and provide growing instructions on the back. However, there is an exception....
The Hudson Valley Seed Library sells high quality, organic seeds from their farm located in the Hudson Valley of upstate New York. While there is much to recommend about this company, their seed packets clearly stand out from the rest of the crowd. The company sells a line of vegetable and flower seeds in special, square-shaped seed packets that are illustrated with designs the company has commissioned from various artists. These "Art Packs" are heirloom seeds and contemporary art all in one packet and they are drop-dead gorgeous!
If your special someone is a gardener, I'd like to suggest giving them a collection of Hudson Valley seeds as a Valentine's Day gift. I think they will be blown away by the beauty of these seed packets. I've reproduced a few of these below to give you a sense for the collection. You can see the whole line, and make purchases from the Hudson Valley Seed Library's web site. One more thought... you might also want to buy some now and put them away for either Mother's Day or Father's Day.
I love these!
Posted by: lauren scheuer | 02/15/2012 at 06:03 AM
I got some of these for Christmas and they really are beautiful. Can't wait to taste the vegetables.
Posted by: Julianne Idleman | 02/15/2012 at 09:18 AM
Let me know how it goes. The artwork on the packets is worth the price alone.
Posted by: H. Mark Delman | 02/15/2012 at 11:18 AM