The Wildflower Nursery Kits we offer include everything necessary to sow native wildflower seeds in early winter using the methods developed to protect the seeds from birds, rodents and climate change. They will winter-over and germinate in the Spring, as is natural for native wildflower seeds. As the pots can be densely seeded, this method also generates an abundant supply of seedlings in the spring. As wildflowers are perennial plants, they may not flower the first year, and so self-seeding annual seeds can be sown with the transplants for the first year.
Kits include 12 to15 pots (4″ x 4″ x 5″), seed starting soil, perennial seeds such as Bee Balm, Echinacea, Lavender Hyssop, Milkweed, Black Eyed Susan, Blazing Star and others, a wooden frame large enough to fit over the pots with one side covered with a metal mesh. It also includes step by step instructions on how to start and maintain your kit through the seasons.
Wildflower Nursery Flats are also available for larger projects. They do not require pots, but consist of larger mesh covered frames, such as 5′ x 5′, or to a custom made size. Wildflower seeds would be sown into a prepared plot in January, then enclosed in a custom made flat, or flats, and left to overwinter and germinate in Spring, thus eliminating the need for transplanting.
Wildflower Pollinator Project offers Wildflower Nursery Kits outside the Putney Co-op every year from November to early January. They also can be ordered in advance and be picked up at the Co-op at prearranged times. For more information, to order a Kit, or find out how to make your own, contact Jane at janecollister3@gmail.com.
The project is always seeking the cultivation of more seedlings and the volunteers needed to significantly repopulate local habitats in the southern Vermont area, and, it is hoped, beyond.
Please go to Connect on this website, or email janecollister3@gmail to learn more about how you can take part in this vital and joyful process.
We hope you will join us. There is so much at stake.
Saving pollinators takes many villages.