Over the last few months we’ve been doing our first experiments with Winter Sowing native perennials here at Quebec Qottage. We’re getting some germination. Lots of prairie dropseed, blanketflower, winter fat, penstemon, little blue stem, side oats grama, agastache…

The process involves sowing seeds outdoors where they endure the harsh winter conditions for which they have evolved. The brutality of their ancestral environment softens the hard shells so that they are better prepared for the warmth of the spring sun. The roots grow stronger, the seedlings better prepared for the place in which they will live. There is much we can learn from plants.

Updates will ensue as the spring progresses – if the birds and squirrels don’t get to seedlings or the sower. I’ll be potting up some of these into plug trays and others will be transplanted directly into terra firma. If you’d like a seedling or two, just ask. They are meant to be spread around. Also, Barb’s allium bulbs are starting to bloom. Spring is about potential, potency, vitality. Planting seeds is good. It’s okay if we don’t feel energy arising as soon as we’d like, or if things don’t emerge as planned. Late bloomers are often uniquely appreciated and beloved.

Eventually.

Go spread some seed.