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by Robert G. Miner II, Assistant Research Farm Manager
Signs that spring is coming are starting to become apparent here at the Seeds of Change Research Farm. Although there is snow on the ground and trees and perennials are still dormant, the greenhouses are beginning to fill up. Onions are being planted and crops such as Echinacea, that need to have seed dormancy broken, are being cold stratified. The Yacon plants (Bolivian Sunroot) are being propagated for this season's deliveries. More information on the Yacon root can be found in our catalog and on our website. Early ordering for these plants is encouraged due to limited availability.
  Our 2005 Seeds of Change catalog is now out, as is the bulk catalogue for larger quantities. We have many new and exciting introductions to offer this year. One of our favorites is "Peggy's Delight" Zinnia. This is a unique and original selection that is our "rasta" version of the traditional zinnia. It was named in honor of Peggy Coyne a friend and neighbor of Seeds of Change.
We have had a great winter of seed cleaning and are finishing up the collating of all the research data from last season. As this work winds down we are now focusing on the coming season and the many new introductions, flower, herb, gourmet greens, and vegetable variety trials that will be planted on the farm this spring.
Our facilities here on the farm have gone through some upgrades this winter. The offices, seed cleaning and drying building, as well as the greenhouses have all been renovated, making the farm even more efficient and functional. The construction is almost completed.
 Our research staff has also gone through some changes. A long time veteran of the farm, Emily Skelton, is now the Seed Cleaning and Quality Coordinator. We are pleased to welcome on board Emily Gatch as our Greenhouse Coordinator and Assistant Seed Cleaner. I arrived last year and I am the Assistant Research Farm Manager, Robert G. Miner II. We all work under the direction of Erica Renaud, Research and Farm Manager.  It is bittersweet news that we have lost our previous Assistant Farm Manager, Jordan Rainwater. We are saddened to lose such a talented and knowledgeable associate, however, we are very happy that Jordan and her husband Daron are pursuing their life long dream of owning their own organic farm. They have moved back to their home state of Oregon to make the dream come true. We wish them the very best and look forward to working with them in the future.
All the associates here at the Seeds of Change Research Farm are committed to delivering only the very best in organic seeds, plants, and products. We hope that the fruits of our labor here will insure that the fruits of your labor will bring you the utmost enjoyment and satisfaction.
Happy Growing!
R. G. Miner II, Assistant Research Farm Manager
Photo captions: 1) Peggy's Delight Zinnia 2) Emily Gatch and R.G. (Bob) Miner II our newest farm associates 3) Jordan Rainwater, former Assistant Farm Manager
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