Seed and Plant Swapping over the Ocean

Lilith

I wonder is there some way we could exchange plants and seeds between Ireland and the US. Lots of things travel very well, and it doesn't take any time for things to travel back and forth.

It's easy to tuck all kinds of things into a wee package or envelope.

I'm sure there are things growing here that would do well in Ireland, and things that have some resistence to Winter would do well here.

GPI · Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2006 9:16 am Post subject:

Lilith, I forsee no major problems with swapping seeds between the US and Ireland etc.
Over the coming week I will post a list of rules and tips regarding this practise on IG (Irish Gardeners).

However I see problems with swapping live plants between the US and Ireland.
Strict international laws govern the shipping of live plant materials both in and out of the U.S.
Boxes of plants may be held up for inspection, and may or may not make it to their destination.

Lilith · Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2006 5:07 pm Post subject:

I figured it would be a little trickier with plants than seeds.

There are some lovely wild flowers that grow here that I think would do very well in Ireland. They may already grow there, but I'll post some pics of the ones in bloom now, and will be happy to send seed if anyone wants some.

Gardensgalore · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 7:49 pm Post subject: Seed swap

Hi Lilith,
just joined the forum and found your entry. I'm really interested in seed swaps, but its a little early in the season. If you want to know what grows around here, I suggest that you have a look at my neighbour, Jenny's, site... wildflowersireland.ie. I'll try to get hold of anything that interests you.
Where are you in the US? and what grows wild there?
Hope to hear from you.
Best Regards
Richard

JennyS · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 11:10 pm Post subject:

Hi Lilith
- quick correction on wild flower website address, its www.irishwildflowers.ie

Definitely there would be restrictions on actual plants coming into Ireland (as opposed to seeds) to reduce the chances of introducing bugs, beasties and plant and soil infections that haven't got here yet.

If you're interested in seed theres a crowd up in Galway selling Irish grown wildflower seeds, website address www.wildflowers.ie
They might be of interest to you, and also to anyone here interested in planting a wildflower meadow or anything along those lines.

Looking forward to seeing your photos ......

Tessa · Posted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 7:49 pm Post subject:

I just joined the forum and think the idea of swapping seeds would be wonderful. I'll definitely check out the sites you mentioned. The really nice wildflowers are just starting to bloom here (Southern US), and I'll put up some pictures when they do in case anyone would like some seed.

I've collected and planted lots of their seed here, and they do well, with a good germination rate.

Sending plants, even in the US, is quite a chore for growers. Each state has its own regulations and there are all these inspections, and really just a pain. I would imagine that trying to ship plants overseas would be even worse, so probably safer to stick with seeds.

Gardensgalore · Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 8:36 pm Post subject:

Hi,
I've just come across this site, which makes clear that US citizens can import small quantities of seed without a phytosanitary certificate. They do, however, require a FREE permit.

Check out this page www.aphis.usda.gov/imp...seed.shtml

Looks like good news to me.

medieval knievel · Rowan Tree Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Posts: 115

does anyone know of any restrictions on carrying live plants to france?
a friend who now lives there would love some rhubarb, which she says is hard to come by, and was wondering if there'd be any restrictions on her bringing back a few crowns on the plane?

BlackBird · Silver Birch Tree Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 171

I think the rough rule is that as long as long as you are travelling within the EU, you are carrying the plants for your own personal use, and that you believe them to be healthy (disease/pest free), then you will be allowed pass. But just to be sure and to have something to say if stopped, I would check with the countries local plant/agriculture authority to clarify your case.

GPI · Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 12:54 am Post subject:

medieval knievel, it would be worth your while to contact this Dept.....

Sous-direction de la protection des végétaux
Service de la qualité alimentaire et des actions vétérinaires et phytosanitaires
Direction générale de l’alimentation
Ministère de l’agriculture et de la pêche
175, rue du Chevaleret
75646 Paris Cédex 13
France
tel: 011-331.49.55.81.53
fax: 011-331.49.55.51.06

An online translation converted it to this....

Subdirectorate of the protection of the plants Service of food quality and the actions veterinary surgeons and plant health general Direction of the food Ministry for agriculture and fishing 175, street of Chevaleret 75646 Paris Cédex 13 France such: 011-331.49.55.81.53 faxes: 011-331.49.55.51.06

Rhubarb is usually Rheum x hybridum if you are asked for the Latin.

medieval knievel · Rowan Tree Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Posts: 115

cheers, have passed the info on.

sal · Hazel Tree Joined: 15 Sep 2008 Posts: 42

i think this is a good idea,what sort of seeds are you looking for lilith,i`d love to try some seeds,

anchoress · Hazel Tree Joined: 09 Nov 2008 Posts: 19

Did this idea ever take off please? Or within Ireland even?

We gave so many of our Sweet Rocket seeds away that we are facing a new garden without it which is unthinkable....drifts of it here would be a wonder.