This article explores why seed saving is an incomprehensibly powerful act that serves to increase one's food sovereignty, encouraging resilient communities and nurturing the Gift Economy.
Haha, I was about to say that I’d never heard of Vana tulsi… then I went back and checked, and lo and behold— Ocimum gratissimum is the Eritrean basil I ordered a few weeks ago! I’ve always grown the other kind, O. sanctum— looking forward to learning the differences between them.
This helped me get inspired to go collect some seeds from a nearby patch of vernonia (ironweed), and to try rooting some cuttings off the tallest blueberry bush. Unfortunately I don’t know what variety it is, because I haven’t always kept good records of what was planted where.
Fair warning, I don’t spend much time on-screen so I’m hesitant to even try to get into a real conversation online, but I had intended to comment on an earlier article where you touched on the concept of ‘native’ and ‘invasive’ species, and how the distinction becomes somewhat irrelevant in the context of long-term ecological change and human/animal migration and disturbance. I think the first few statements of Dr. Vandana Shiva’s Declaration on Seed Freedom would make an excellent starting point for that kind of discussion. (I’ve gotten a little frustrated at times with seeing perfectly good landscape plants torn out in order to plant “all natives,” but was also tempted to play devil’s advocate on your statement that there’s “no such thing as a weed” — I doubt you could change my mind about something like English ivy, for example.)
Another exquisitely beautiful post, Gavin! I have a pot of Tulsi that I brought inside in the fall. She's pretty sparse, so I haven't been picking her leaves very much, but I rub them and inhale that scent. :) I can't wait to plant the seeds I got from you. :)
This - "A wooly knit hat purchased at the store will keep you warm regardless of its origin, But if it was hand knit by your favorite auntie, then you are in relationship to that ‘thing’ in a very different way. You're responsible for it, and your gratitude has motive force in the world. You are likely to take much better care of the gift hat than the commodity hat because it’s knit of relationships. This is the power of gift thinking." 💚
I loved the song, too. Can't wait to have your physical book in my hands for reference! You just might get me excited for spring/gardening yet! :) xo
Thank you for sharing such an inspiring post Gavin. I am not an expert but I do love collecting seed. Last year I saved so much I decided to hand out little packets of wildflower seeds at my local agricultural show. Little packets of potential! I got such a lovely reaction from people. My plan was to encourage a little wildness into folks gardens.
. This year I know I must grow more heirloom varieties so I can save more edible seeds. I regret not being more discerning with my seed choices.
I love the idea of a gift economy. It just feels like sharing plants, seeds and produce is the right thing to do. I have received may lovely gifts in return.
I really enjoy reading your very detailed posts! Now I must get planting! ☺🌱
One of the myriad reasons to follow the path you are advocating Gavin https://www.technocracy.news/scientists-edible-plants-being-altered-to-carry-mrna-vaccine-payload/
Haha, I was about to say that I’d never heard of Vana tulsi… then I went back and checked, and lo and behold— Ocimum gratissimum is the Eritrean basil I ordered a few weeks ago! I’ve always grown the other kind, O. sanctum— looking forward to learning the differences between them.
This helped me get inspired to go collect some seeds from a nearby patch of vernonia (ironweed), and to try rooting some cuttings off the tallest blueberry bush. Unfortunately I don’t know what variety it is, because I haven’t always kept good records of what was planted where.
Fair warning, I don’t spend much time on-screen so I’m hesitant to even try to get into a real conversation online, but I had intended to comment on an earlier article where you touched on the concept of ‘native’ and ‘invasive’ species, and how the distinction becomes somewhat irrelevant in the context of long-term ecological change and human/animal migration and disturbance. I think the first few statements of Dr. Vandana Shiva’s Declaration on Seed Freedom would make an excellent starting point for that kind of discussion. (I’ve gotten a little frustrated at times with seeing perfectly good landscape plants torn out in order to plant “all natives,” but was also tempted to play devil’s advocate on your statement that there’s “no such thing as a weed” — I doubt you could change my mind about something like English ivy, for example.)
Another exquisitely beautiful post, Gavin! I have a pot of Tulsi that I brought inside in the fall. She's pretty sparse, so I haven't been picking her leaves very much, but I rub them and inhale that scent. :) I can't wait to plant the seeds I got from you. :)
This - "A wooly knit hat purchased at the store will keep you warm regardless of its origin, But if it was hand knit by your favorite auntie, then you are in relationship to that ‘thing’ in a very different way. You're responsible for it, and your gratitude has motive force in the world. You are likely to take much better care of the gift hat than the commodity hat because it’s knit of relationships. This is the power of gift thinking." 💚
I loved the song, too. Can't wait to have your physical book in my hands for reference! You just might get me excited for spring/gardening yet! :) xo
I loved this post and am inspired to grow some Tulsi!
Thank you for sharing such an inspiring post Gavin. I am not an expert but I do love collecting seed. Last year I saved so much I decided to hand out little packets of wildflower seeds at my local agricultural show. Little packets of potential! I got such a lovely reaction from people. My plan was to encourage a little wildness into folks gardens.
. This year I know I must grow more heirloom varieties so I can save more edible seeds. I regret not being more discerning with my seed choices.
I love the idea of a gift economy. It just feels like sharing plants, seeds and produce is the right thing to do. I have received may lovely gifts in return.
I really enjoy reading your very detailed posts! Now I must get planting! ☺🌱
have a compartment in my refrigerator dedicated to seed saving… have a rare hot pink alyssum that I have been cycling seeds for almost 30 years.
Omg I absolutely love this post! I just ordered tulsi seeds a month ago and you have inspired me to get planting! 🌿
Commenting to encourage your writing.
Thanks for your efforts!