Landreth Seed is America's oldest seed company, and they could really use your help. They need to raise some money, and quickly, if they are to stay in business.Here's what Barbara Melera says about their situation on the company's facebook page:
To All of Our Customers & Friends
All of you know the story of Landreth and most of you know me, Barb Melera. My husband, Peter, and I have been working to restore this historic American company for the past 8 years.
We set about to restore this Company because it is the most historically important American small business in existence. It is the only American company, still operating daily, that existed when this country became a nation. Its founders were honorable men who helped establish and guide the agricultural and horticultural industries of this country in the 1700s, the 1800s and the 1900s. Landreth exemplifies American business and the ethics and integrity that built this nation.
On Wednesday, August 31, 2011, the Company’s accounts were frozen by a garnishment order initiated by a Baltimore law firm. If this garnishment order is not satisfied within the next 30 days, Landreth will cease to exist and a part of America’s history will be lost forever. I need to sell 1 million 2012 catalogs to satisfy this garnishment and the cascade of other indebtedness which this order has now initiated.
If you want to help save this piece of America, if you love gardening and heirloom seeds, if you care about righting the injustices of a legal system badly in need of repair, then please help Landreth. Please purchase a Landreth catalog, and if you can afford it, purchase several for your friends. Please send this link to everyone you know, www.landrethseeds.com. One million catalogs is a big number, but with the internet it is achievable. Please help us to save Landreth.
Although Landreth seeds are not certified organic, they use organic practices and have never sold GMO seeds.
From the guarantee page on the Landreth website: LANDRETH DOES NOT SELL AND, IN 225 YEARS OF BUSINESS, HAS NOT EVER SOLD GMO SEEDS OR PLANT MATERIAL. NONE OF OUR SEEDS ARE CHEMICALLY OR BIOLOGICALLY COATED OR TREATED, IN ANY WAY. WE DO NOT USE CHEMICALS OR PESTICIDES IN OUR WAREHOUSE. CAREFUL WAREHOUSE CONTAINERIZATION AND TWO HARD WORKING CATS KEEP MOST OF THE CRITTERS UNDER CONTROL.
I've ordered a catalog and some seeds. At this time in history when the existence of independent seed companies is at risk as more and more are being bought out by the gigantic biotech industry, it's important for gardeners everywhere to support the diversity of choices available to us for our gardens from independent seed suppliers. Please help Landreth achieve their goal of one million catalogs sold this month. And while you're at their website, consider ordering some seeds. You might also like to peruse their other offerings. The holidays will be here before we know it, and Landreth has a number of beautiful offerings that would make thoughtful gifts for the gardeners on your shopping list. Together, we can help save this national treasure.
Ordered the catalog yesterday when I heard it on the Mike Nowak show....I hope it works, between you and me, that's 2!!
ReplyDeleteYay Sissy! So many people are spreading the word, a million catalogs is do-able!
ReplyDeleteI really think it is doable. It warms my heart when social media can be used for good. :)
ReplyDeleteI posted this on my Facebook page, Batavia Plain Dirt Gardener's page and Batavia's Community Garden page. Hope this national treasure can stay in business. Also I'll post your link on my Worm Girl News blog as well.
ReplyDeleteI could not figure out how to just post a link to this article on my blog so I copied and pasted into my blog and gave you credit at the end. Hope that's ok.
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this. Looks like they're going to need all the help they can get.
ReplyDeleteI just ordered my catalog! Mr. Brown Thumb is quite persistent!
ReplyDeleteWonderful article I'm ordering catalogs & seeds I will be gifting at Christmas placing Landreth Seed Catalogs, seeds & Authentic Haven Brand manure tea in Stockings for those I love what a great way to help Save Landreth and get gardens growing naturally. I also ChipedIn I hope my contribution and Christmas gift idea will help inspire others to do the same.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for saving small businesses! The history of this company is quite amazing. I saw the write-up on Monica's newspaper blog, but this time I'm bookmarking their website to order a catalog and maybe some seeds later this evening.
ReplyDeleteI think so Monica! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Rachel! That's fantastic - the more people who help get the word out, the better. :)
All of us together can do MBT! Thanks for bringing it to my attention - I read about it first on Chicago Garden.
Yay Annie!
Rose, I've been receiving their newsletters for quite some time - they are always a treat to read. I especially enjoyed the commemorative newsletter series. (http://www.landrethseeds.com/newsletters/ - see Volume 5 for the commemorative newsletters.) I think you'd really enjoy the history in them.
I had no idea they were in such dire straits. Thanks for highlighting their plight. I've ordered 2 catalogs, it's not much, but I'm sure every little bit helps. Sharing on FB page too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for helping CVF!
ReplyDeleteWill do! I have my favorite seed catalogs, but I confess that I'm not very loyal to any one company. They're all deserving of support. I sure hope Landreth survives.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful JGH. Thanks for pitching in!
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