SIGNA SEED EXCHANGE
Many of you may not know about SIGNA, the Species Iris Group of North America. This is a section of the AIS devoted to study, growing and exchange of wild iris species and their selections. SIGNA also operates the world largest seed exchange devoted to the species of the genus Iris. Seeds may only be purchased by members of SIGNA, but membership is open to all and it's easy to join on the web site. Seeds are just one benefit of membership.
GKCIS members, Jim Murrain and Jim Waddick have been the co-chairs of this Seed Exchange for the past 3 years. Each year they solicit donations of seed from donors all around the world. Seed pours in from across the United States and Canada as well as Europe, UK, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The emphasis is on wild collected seed, but many seeds are from choice selections and rare inter-species hybrids. Once the seed donations come in they are cataloged and a list is prepared and published as well as posted on the Internet. Eventually the seeds have to be counted out into individual small packets of around 10 seeds each although some packets are smaller and some much larger. SIGNA members place orders and packets are gathered to fill and send orders all over the world.
They have organized SIGNA seed counting 'parties' each year. They gather all the parts needed: seed, packets, labels and their living room. Helpers have packed literally thousands of packets with thousands more seeds.
This year they had over 400 seed varieties donated and around 6,000 empty packets ready to fill. Soon we'll be tapping shoulders to ask for helpers. It will take many hours and days of effort to count and fill packets, fill orders and prepare orders for shipping. It a lot of work, but it is also a lot fun.
Feb 4, 2010 News
We have a new SIGNA member from South Africa and participant in the Seed Exchange. With the earlier addition of a new member and seed buyer from Brazil, we now have SIGNA members and Iris seed growers from all continents except Antarctica ! Welcome to all new members!
North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
