We want it all...

We live in the mountains for the high quality of life. We breathe clean, crisp air. We drink mountain spring water. We wander freely without fear. And now, of course, we want fresh-picked, mouth-watering tomatoes. We want it all.

Because industrial agriculture is so hard on genetic diversity, over 25 years ago I started wandering this tiny, blue-green planet with the goal of saving the seeds needed for successful mountain gardens and landscapes.

Although much work remains, we have grown into a family-owned, 25 year-old, bio-regional seed company dedicated to self-reliance and genetic conservation. We sell hundreds of cold-tolerant, short-season varieties. Bill and his father represent more than 50 years experience growing gardens and seeds at high elevation.

For more than 20 years the company was located at 6,000 ft., surrounded by towering, snow-capped peaks in the Wood River Valley of central Idaho. During this time we developed a deep love and respect for the plants, both native and cultivated, strong enough to survive (even thrive!) in harsh mountain climates.

By finding and growing varieties from around the world, we act as a resource for thousands of gardeners looking for diversity and reliability. Our varieties of vegetables and wildflowers have proven vigorous, early-maturing, tolerant of a harsh climate, and also exceptionally tasty in fruit and beautiful in bloom.

In February 2005, we moved our operation to Cornville, Arizona. Bill is now in his 50's and Wes in his 70's. We decided to answer questions, package and ship seeds from a slightly warmer winter location in Northern Arizona. We have access to the resources of Northern Arizona University and the Arboretum at Flagstaff located just north of us at 7,000 ft. We gather wildflower seeds each fall as we have always done in Idaho. We also venture back to Idaho for seed collecting. We still test new cold climate varieties in high elevation gardens in Idaho.

In 1989, we journeyed behind the iron curtain to Siberia to find a treasure trove of delicious tomatoes. We found an absolutely amazing carrot on the slopes of Mt. Fugi in Japan. Earliest Red Sweet peppers were developed exclusively for market gardeners in northern Canada. Each summer we plant wild poppy seed from Iceland.

New varieties are now sent to us to test from all over the world. We test seeds from Peru, Bolivia, Mongolia and Bhutan. Share with us any variety you think is better than the ones we offer. We will be happy to reward you with your choice of one of our packets of seed.

We have always supported organic gardening and organic farming. We also support transitional programs and other certification organizations that uphold the national organic standards but do so without the red tape and high costs. Certified Naturally Grown™ is one such organization with which we are affiliated.

Our online seed catalog offers heirloom seeds, vegetable seeds, bulk wildflower seeds, ornamental grass seed, herb seeds and Siberian tomato seeds all adapted to cold short seasons. Sample several as you would new wines. Learn to save seeds from varieties that thrive in your back yard. Help us discover, create and expand the diversity necessary for us to “have it all”.