Letters To The Editor

Reader: Why Is Gov’t Going After Heirloom Seeds?

To read the story referenced, “Big Government Goes After Heirloom Seeds,” click here.

I think it’s absolutely pathetic that a seed library is a target for such scrutiny. First off, they are free seeds. So if they don’t develop, it’s not like they paid for them. Second, I get the feeling that these are people that just garden as a hobby. What would be the difference if they met as a club and along with exchanging ideas, exchanged seeds to try. Again, I could see [the problem] if this was about commercial usage, but even at that, this is just another way that our government is supporting corporate America over the individual’s right of the pursuit of happiness. They want to be sure that people are buying seed packets that are from GMO-infested plants so that they have to rely on buying those seeds year after year because the seeds from those plants are not capable of re-producing. Give it a rest, isn’t there someone out there murdering someone for drugs, or women and children being abused or some Third World country to rescue. Get over it, it’s just a few seeds.

Holly

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To read the story referenced, “20 Common Wild Plants You Can Eat For Survival,” click here.

Here in Alaska, it’s important to know your berries. There are many kinds of edible berries such as wild cranberries and blue berries that are easy to find. However, there are “blue” berries and “red” berries that often grow alongside the others that wouldn’t be good for you to eat. Many of the nature centers offer guided tours and this is a good way to learn what’s good and what’s not.

Another one of my favorite plants are wild roses, as rose hips are a good source of vitamin C. They’re best picked after a frost and then can be dried to use or just chewed on as a snack. It’s not good to eat the spiny seeds inside of the rose hips so I try to split the “hips” near where I pick them and spread the seeds so that they will grow more plants.

There are also lots of uses for various tree barks for teas or flavorings. It’s a good idea to learn about all of the trees that are in your area and what can be done with their leaves, bark, etc. For example, birch bark makes a very good medicinal tea. Learning what’s around you before you NEED to know will go a long way toward giving you an edge on the situation.

Sue Jean