Seed Savers Exchange was founded in Missouri in 1975 by Diane Ott Whealy and Kent Whealy. Diane's grandfather entrusted to them the seeds of two garden plants, ‘Grandpa Ott's’ morning glory and ‘German Pink’ tomato. These seeds, brought by Grandpa Ott's parents from Bavaria when they immigrated to Iowa in the 1870s, became the first two varieties in the collection. Diane and Kent went on to form a network of gardeners interested in preserving heirloom varieties and sharing seeds. Today, with 13,000 members and 20,000 plant varieties, Seed Savers Exchange makes its home on 890 scenic acres in Winneshiek County, Iowa, at Heritage Farm.Make Seed Savers Exchange Heritage Farm a part of your Decorah vacation plans using our Decorah trip itinerary builder website.
Seed Savers Exchange conserves biodiversity by maintaining a collection of over 20,000 different varieties of heirloom and open-pollinated plants, varieties with the ability to regenerate themselves year after year. These seeds (and tissue cultures or other plant materials, depending on how a plant reproduces) have the power to withstand unforeseen pestilence and plant disease, climate change, and limited habitat, and to stop dinnertime boredom forever.
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Seed Savers Exchange Heritage Farm reviews
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If it wasn't over 90 degrees during our visit we would have spent more time walking the grounds and trails. Looking forward to a future visit. It's an excellent preservation of our history and a...
If it wasn't over 90 degrees during our visit we would have spent more time walking the grounds and trails. Looking forward to a future visit. It's an excellent preservation of our history and a... more »
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I am a member of the exchange and visited while the visitors center was closed. Still was able to walk the trails and check out the gardens. Very serene. I believe in the work they do, so that was.... more
I am a member of the exchange and visited while the visitors center was closed. Still was able to walk the trails and check out the gardens. Very serene. I believe in the work they do, so that was.... more »
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Great place to stop for an hour or longer. The gift shop has an interesting and unique selection of books and other items, but don't miss the real fun- exploring the gardens, hiking the trails, and seeing the unique cattle! So much more to do than shop. Thanks for the friendly chat, too!
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We spent many hours here and could’ve spent many more! Such a lovely, quiet place to learn, meander, relax, hike, explore, etc. It was only my husband and myself this time, but next time we go we’re bringing the whole family!
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