We’re ready for the gardening season to begin and are getting a head start with the grand re-opening of our Visitors Center. Our gift and garden center opened on March 1 and is stocked with plenty of unique finds. Garden planning is underway (even if planting and growing are just a dream right now) and visitors will soon be able to walk among our display and evaluation gardens. But March is still a great time to plan a trip to Seed Savers Exchange and stock up for your own gardening endeavors. Take a peek at what’s in store:

Seeds. Flowers, herbs, vegetables, we’ve covered everything. It’s like walking inside a real-life seed catalog. Discover hundreds of heirloom, historic, and rare varieties that are waiting to be planted in your garden.

Equipment & Tools. Set yourself up for success with the right gear for gardening and seed saving. You’ll find a wide selection of tools, compost and potting mixes, gardening gloves, seed starting kits, heat mats, grow lights, apple grafting supplies, flower pots, and more, including specialty and hard-to-find items.

Apparel. Show your support with Seed Savers Exchange apparel (t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and more) as well as apparel designed for gardening (like Tula hats).

Gifts & Beyond. Looking for a unique gift (or just want to treat yourself)? You’ll find plenty of options in store. Our line-up include many locally-sourced gifts, like Allamakee Wood Fired Pots and Steel Cow art. For the foodies, check out our kitchen corner, stocked with jams, jellies, pickles, cooking beans, and more. And of course, you’ll find plenty of books and kid’s items, too.

(Coming Soon) Plants. We’re still a long ways off from planting here in Northeast Iowa, but later in the season, we’ll offer a complete line of plants for your garden - including varieties from our catalog and additional plants, like asparagus, raspberries, grapes, and more.

We look forward to welcoming guests to the shop, gardens, orchard, events, trails, and streams this year, and sharing the mission and work of Seed Savers Exchange and a passion for all things gardening and seed saving.

Learn more about visiting and what there is to do when the weather is pleasant (including hiking and fishing!)