An interview with member Beverly Lytwyn
by Caitlin Marshall
We love getting to hear from our members, and we thought you might like to hear from each other, too! Here's Beverly Lytwyn, a longtime Wild Seed Project supporter.
How did you first hear about Wild Seed Project?
I don’t remember what I was reading on my laptop, but I got very excited. I shouted to my husband that I finally found what I was looking for—a place to buy native seeds! I was disappointed in myself because WSP had already been in existence for a year.
What is the story of the first time you started plants from our seed?
I have grown thousands of vegetables and herb plants from seeds. We had a large garden and grew everything from seed. I had a 3 tiered grow light stand that was full of seedlings every spring. However, starting native plants was different.
I carefully followed the instructions. Planting in pots was easy, but putting them outside in January seemed a little cruel. I was so used to vegetables and herbs. Would they be okay outside? What if animals bothered them? I compromised by putting them on my porch and shoveling snow on them. It worked, of course! Every year since then, my WSP seeds have just been put in a shady spot outside in a seed starting frame.
You just have to have faith in the directions!
Tell me about your favorite part of your garden (or other growing space!), and why it's your favorite?
I grew up helping my Dad in our vegetable garden. It was fascinating to watch the little seedlings poke their seed leaves out of ground and then growing into mature plants. Now all my WSP seeds are started in pots. So my favorite part of my garden is wherever my pots are. Right now they are safe in my new seed frames in a protected area. Soon they will be relocated to my deck. There I can watch those seed leaves poke up from the soil and start to grow.
My favorite growing space is the Native Seed Center at Turkey Hill. It is only 5.5 miles from my home.
Tell me about what you like about volunteering with Wild Seed Project?
Of course, it is very rewarding just helping with the packaging and the sowing. In addition you get to do it with a group of like minded people.
Whether the chatter is about favorite restaurants, what others are doing in their gardens or getting my never ending native plant questions answered, volunteering in person is a great experience. I also like that Native Seed Center at Turkey Hill is only 5.5 miles from my home! Gee, I mentioned that before, didn’t I? I tell people that a lot.
I also am a volunteer hobblebush seed collector. It was frustrating at first because they ripen and disappear so fast. Now I use little mesh ‘gift bags’ over the seed heads. The ripe seeds just fall into the bags and can be collected at my leisure. Others now use these bags for seeds like hazelnuts. The squirrels and birds don’t like share with people!
Do you have any advice for others just getting started with growing native plants?
If possible attend a seed starting workshop in-person. If that isn’t possible, watch the recording online.
Recently I got to attend a workshop with a group of my friends and neighbors. It was a great experience to watch them learn. Most of them had never planted seeds before and were amazed that you just put them outside for the winter. I have their pots in my backyard seed frame and am frequently asked if they are ‘up' yet.
And finally, is there anything you'd like to share about your involvement with Wild Seed Project, that I didn't ask above?
Nine years ago I was so excited to just find a place to buy native seeds. Now I know that WSP is much more than that. The website is great for learning. I tell people it is the Wikipedia for natives. They sponsor a lot of education events, too. However, what really makes WSP special is the people. I am very happy I found a group of such dedicated people to help me grow natives and spread the message about resiliency and biodiversity.
