BLOG.JESSIEKEITH.COM: Support Landreth Seed Company, the Oldest Seed House in America

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Gardening with kids is messy but gratifying. This blog is largely about gardening with limited time and
two kids in tow while fighting to cultivate an unreasonably large garden. Short cuts are essential, weeds par for the course, and mud a given.

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In 1995, Jessie became a Master Gardener, accepted a job as a landscape designer and had a farmer's market booth selling garden flowers. The following year she attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana where she graduated with honors in 1999 with a BS in Public Horticulture. At Purdue, she worked for two years as garden intern at The Purdue University Horticulture Gardens and was mentored by Dr. Harrison Flint and Dr. Michael Dana. She also served as undergraduate teacher’s assistant in woody and herbaceous plant identification and introductory horticulture classes.

In 1999, she accepted a yearlong position as the curatorial intern at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA under the tutelage of celebrated curator and author, Dr. Tomasz Anisko. Graduate school at Michigan State University followed. There she studied systematic botany and completed her MS degree in the winter of 2003. Shortly after graduation, she accepted an internship at The American Gardener magazine, the journal of The American Horticultural Society, where she received guidance from editor-in-chief, David Ellis, and distinguished scientist and horticulturist, Dr. H. Marc Cathey.

Jessie taught horticulture for two years at Williamson Free School in Media, Pennsylvania before pursuing a career in garden writing and plant photography. She began to work as content editor for Learn2grow.com in 2007 and has written articles for publications such as The Old House Journal, The Green Scene, What’s Up! Annapolis? and The Herbarist. She most recently served as one-time horticultural editor for Wilder Quarterly.

Today, Jessie lives in Wilmington, Delaware with her husband Knut, daughters Franziska and Gabriella, two geriatric cats, and thousands of garden plants.

BLOG.JESSIEKEITH.COM: Support Landreth Seed Company, the Oldest Seed House in America

Support Landreth Seed Company, the Oldest Seed House in America

I first bought seed from Landreth Seed Company, the oldest seed company in the United States, six or seven years ago during an event at Winterthur. Impressive quality and a nice selection of garlic bulbs have kept me coming back. Sadly, the historically significant old seed house is struggling despite the recent financial successes of its new owner, Barbara Melera.

According to a 9/25/11 Philadelphia Inquirer article by Virginia A. Smith, Malara turned a profit this year after accepting loans up to $1 million from friends, family and two outside investors. But the article states, "The two outside investors, who lent <Landreth> $250,000 and $175,000, want to be paid back, and the money isn't there." The article further explains, "Melera's immediate goal is to "raise $150,000 to $175,000 by then from seed sales and advance orders for the 100-page, 2012 catalog."

I encourage gardeners to help out by purchasing next year's seeds from Landreth. Their seed is high-quality, selection good, and the effort will help this American horticultural institution stay afloat.