On Facebook today, America's oldest operating heirloom-seed house, D. Landreth Seed Company, posted a plea to ensure that an astonishing garden resource will not go out of business in 30 days. This cannot be the fate of this extraordinary business and its centuries-old legacy.
Help reduce its looming $250,000 debt, which has been called in by an investor holding a note: buy a $5 mail-order catalogue now, buy two, buy three, buy more if the spirit moves you. If the debt is not wiped out by the end of September, D. Landreth Seed Company, founded in 1784 and owned today by Barbara and Peter Melera, will be no more.
Click here to read about D. Landreth Seed Company's time-sensitive plight.
It would be a tragedy to lose this invaluable, historic gardening resource. Their goal of selling a million catalogs pre-publication seems particularly ambitious, but I will contribute to the effort and encourage others as well. __ The Devoted Classicist
ReplyDeleteThat's horrible. They used to have a big presence in Baltimore at an old warehouse downtown, but it was sold a few years ago and just sat empty.
ReplyDeleteThese are the people who sold seeds to Thos. Jefferson. I will but a catalogue!
I asked a long time friend, businessman and owner of an organic gardening company about his thoughts. Here is his response, "They didn't bother to show up in court when they were sued for not paying on their $250K debt, and they are shocked and outraged that someone is forcing them to pay or go under? Even historically important companies have to pay debts. But it would be a happy ending if everyone bought their catalog and saved them, so what's the harm." Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteI will buy a catalogue.....and some seeds as well.....I think they have to sell more than catalogues.....I so wish them well!
ReplyDeleteIt is such a lovely company....and deserves all of us who love gardens and plants......some support. Whatever one can do.....DO!!!
I not only ordered a catalog, I also bought many seed packets as a birthday gift to my daughter, the budding gardener. To loose this company would equal loosing part of our collective soul. Mary
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ReplyDeleteThanks,
J. Harp
SEO @ Interior Design
Dear Charlotte, From my understanding of the situation, it wasn't a matter of the owners not bothering to show up but instead a matter of their not knowing there was even a court date.
ReplyDeleteThat must have been a shock! I will order a catalog then and see if they offer any seeds that will grow in Houston.
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