January 2021 Seed Stories Series

January 2021 Seed Stories

Meet Master Gardener Carilyn Mae of Kitsap Roots in Kitsap, WA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carilyn Mae. I am so happy to bring her Seed Story to you today as the first of many Seed Stories in this series. Thank you so much for being a part of this and helping us kick off 2021. Let’s dive in.

Carilyn, what is the seed or plant you decided to share and the reason why?

Dahlias have become the mascot of my garden. I've fallen in love with all of the forms, colors, and ways they can be propagated and shared.

It’s always interesting to reflect on the origin of a plant and where it all started for you. Do you remember where your Dahlia came from and the story behind that?

I started like most people, with tubers, but this year I saved seeds and am successfully growing them for my garden.

Tell us a little about yourself and why you feel called to share your seed story with everyone today?

I am a passionate horticulturist. When I am out in nature, the world just makes more sense. And when I discovered seed saving and heirloom seeds, I was drawn in even more. Now seeds not only grow to enrich my life, but taking on the role of seed swap host has built community and connection I never could have expected. I'm able to provide a service for my community that truly matters.

Bring us through cultivation of this flower and what lengths you went through to care for and help it grow. What challenges did you face? Did you have a special moment along the way to share with us?

There was a definite learning curve in understanding when to harvest and what to look for, but I found an amazing teacher through Kristine Albrecht of Santa Cruz Dahlias and felt confident to go for it. That said, It was still incredibly thrilling to have successful germination. I have fifteen plants growing and thriving!

Finally how did you grow as a gardener from this experience?

Each year, I choose a handful of plants to dig deep on for the season. My goal is to follow the seed journey from planting to harvest, and in doing so I become confident in that crop. Combine that with my understanding of plant families and traits that repeat in nature, my knowledge is scaffolding.

Contact Info:

Website: https://www.kitsaproots.life/

Email:

Instagram: @mykitsaproots

Facebook: @kitsaproots