Organic Seed Question

[sparkprincess]

My MIL was saying that it doesn't matter where I buy my ornamental plants because she doesn't see why flowers/bushes/trees would be unsafe as far as GMO is concerned. Is she correct?

[sparkprincess]

Any thoughts on this? Maybe I'm not phrasing the question right?? Sorry, total newbie.

Anyway, I got a seed catalog and had a blast picking out the plants I want and where they'll go. It's not an organic catalog so I thought I'd just pick out my plants and then order them from one of the "approved" seed companies on the sticky. However, I've been to, like, 10 sites and they hardly have any of the plants I want. Why is that?? Can I just go to Lowe's? Gah, I dunno.

[lightheart]

My MIL was saying that it doesn't matter where I buy my ornamental plants because she doesn't see why flowers/bushes/trees would be unsafe as far as GMO is concerned. Is she correct?

WOW! it is a tough question... such a complex question in so few words....

unsafe?
GMO?

I'm going to rephrase the qestion, guessing what you are trying to ask...

Is buying a Genetically Modified Organism which is an ornamental plant that you-a human does not eat unsafe?

You could approach this question with a food chain type thought... what if an insect eats this plant and you consume that insect, most likey unintentianal, but you swallow a fly.... Would it be unsafe?

I don't really know the answer, but just because you-yourself would not or could not eat this plant does not mean that plant does not have any affect whatsoever on the big picture of things.

(I've actually sat here for over an hour trying to write this because I know "genetics" are such a hot topic for some folks....)

[IntoTheBliss]

Maybe it's more of a principle issue. Some people would just like to carry on the tradition of growing heirloom flowers/ plants that have been unaltered- the same plants that our forefathers grew. There are lots of pretty "new" "improved" flowers out there, but some people might just like to support the traditional-type plants. Old fashioned roses for example.

It's probably mostly just an issue of preference. But then again, maybe they (new style plants) are detrimental to insects, I don't know.

I had another point I was going to make... but I lost it. Heh.

AHHHHHH my son just dumped cold water on my arm. Eeee.

[MissMommyNiceNice]

I think a more important issue is organic and invasive sorts of plants. Keep in mind that MOST plants you buy as just ornamentals are probably some kind of hybrid. We have bred plants over the years in much the same way we have bred dogs or cows...to get what we want. I'm not aware that there is some rush to breed something like cold hardiness into ornamentals by splicing in a flounder gene in the way they do for tomatoes, kwim?

If you are buying from a reputable nursery, you are probably getting a good source. Talk to the master gardeners and see what they say.

It also depends on what kind of plants you are buying. Some you can start from seed, like coneflowers. If you're talking bushes, I think it's more important to avoid an invasive species. Like the flame bush or butterfly bush. I would do a quick search for your state's DCNR and see if they have a list of natives. Then you'll know they are safe to plant all around. Plus, these plants are specially acclimated to living in your soil in your climate. Many are naturally bug & pest resistant, require less fertilizer, less water, less care all around. They will produce flowers and berries for the birds and bees and butterflies that live in your area attracting new and beautiful wildlife to your yard.

I hope that helps. If you couldn't tell, we're pretty passionate about natives around these parts! : You probably have a local native plant society or nursery...now is about the time when most of those places have their spring sale. Try searching for "wild ones" in your area, they're a nationwide native plant group. Sometimes the Quakers are all about it too...they are around here!

So, I hope I helped to clarify your point. I don't think there is any problem per say with hybrid plants. Some of the best things come in hybrid form...and it's not all about splicing in something that doesn't belong there like GMOs...it's more about breeding plants to create a better, different, or unique specimen.