I want to say Thank You to Mr. Ray Hastings, founder of All-America Selections. One of those visionaries in horticulture who realized a need and made it happen. What are All-America Selections?? Well, you just might be growing one or a few in your garden.
As President of the Southern Seedsmen’s Association, Ray Hastings determined that the best seeds with the brightest futures should be grown in test fields throughout the industry. These seed growing experiences would be considered trials and the best of the best would bear the honor of being considered an All-America Selections Winner. After the first seed was given this status in 1932, there have been AAS Winners every year since 1933.Three times a year, All-America Selections are announced – November, January, and July. With the help of Garden Communicators including magazines, nurserymen, garden clubs, Extension Agents, the National Garden Bureau, and Bloggers these selections are promoted.
The National Garden Bureau has been around since 1920 providing education, inspiration, and motivation to the general public. The goal was and still is to increase awareness about the importance of gardening and using plants, whether it be at home or in the workplace. If you visit the National Garden Bureau website you can find all sorts of information from what the new plants are, what this is the year of (this year, it is the daffodil), what grants they offer and so much more. It definitely should be bookmarked on your computer.
I am honored to offer All-America Selection Seeds at the Stewards of Future Harvests Seed Swap, Watkins Nature Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The selections that were shared from the National Garden Bureau are absolutely wonderful. Ranging from perennials like Penstemon Arabesque …
Dianthus “Jolt”
and even an all-time favorite, Helianthus annuus Sunflower Suntastic Yellow with Black Center…just to name a few.
I bet you have either seen or grown an All American Selection Winner. I wanted to say Thank You to National Garden Bureau and All-America Selections for supporting this seed swap with Winning Seeds for us to share and grow!!! I also want to say a huge THANK YOU to The Association of Garden Writers. If you communicate about gardening through teaching, photography, community efforts and more, I urge you to check out the website- GWA The camaraderie and opportunities to connect with other like-minded enthusiasts of this wonderful gardening community, is absolutely an experience not to be missed.
I hope to see you at the Stewards of Future Harvests Community Seed Swap. 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
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