Permaculture Growers Co-op: Small Farms Feeding Bloomington

Armeria is the botanical name for a genus of flowering plants. These plants are sometimes known as "thrift" or as the "sea pinks". The genus counts over a hundred species, mostly native to the Mediterranean, although Armeria maritima is an exception, being distributed along the coasts of the Northern Hemisphere. The plant often grow in rocky situations, including the sea shore. Some are popular with gardeners as rockery plants.
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Armeria is the botanical name for a genus of flowering plants. These plants are sometimes known as "thrift" or as ... more

Perennial— Blue Indigo, Baptisia australis, for the hot, sunny border. Pea-shaped indigo blue flower spikes appear in spring, displayed nicely above the blue-green foliage. The showy flowers are reminiscent of lupines and are a favorite of bumble bees. In late summer and fall interesting seedpods develop, changing from a soft green to rich black in autumn and persisting into winter. Native Americans called this plant 'Rattle Pod', because of the rattling pods used in dancing ceremonies for children. A tough, durable plant that looks good all season long! 24"-36" tall and hardy to zone 4.
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Perennial— Blue Indigo, Baptisia australis, for the hot, sunny border. Pea-shaped indigo blue flower spikes appear in spring, displayed nicely ... more

Columbines are spring-blooming flowers that are delightful for the sunny flower and shrub border or in partial shade. Many flower colors are available, including shades of lavender, pink and cream. Some flowers are quite fancy with long extensions, called spurs, which curl back.
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Columbines are spring-blooming flowers that are delightful for the sunny flower and shrub border or in partial shade. Many flower ... more

Dark purple blooms with small gold stripe in large petals. Louisiana iris can be planted in or around your pond, as long as you keep the soil wet. They should bloom in early to mid spring. The leaves can reach in height from 24 to 36 inches. Leaves are slender blades.
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Dark purple blooms with small gold stripe in large petals. Louisiana iris can be planted in or around your pond, ... more

Mirabilis jalapa (The four o'clock flower or marvel of Peru) is the most commonly grown ornamental species of Mirabilis, and is available in a range of colors. Mirabilis in Latin means wonderful and Jalapa is a town in Mexico. Mirabilis jalapa is said to have been exported from the Peruvian Andes in 1540. A curious aspect of this plant is that flowers of different colors can be found simultaneously on the same plant. Additionally, an individual flower can be splashed with different colors. Another interesting point is a color-changing phenomenon. For example, in the yellow variety, as the plant matures, it can display flowers that gradually change to a dark pink color. Similarly white flowers can change to light violet.
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Mirabilis jalapa (The four o'clock flower or marvel of Peru) is the most commonly grown ornamental species of Mirabilis, and ... more

Rumex scutatus - French sorrel, used in France's kitchens since the beginning of that country's recorded history, is a low-growing perennial about 45 cm (18 inches) tall, although it can be as much as 60 cm (2 feet) wide. Garden sorrel is a native of Europe and Asia; French sorrel is native to the mountains of southern and central Europe and southwest Asia. French sorrel has green, shield-shaped leaves that are more succulent and sharply acidic than those of garden sorrel, and have a pronounced lemon taste.
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Rumex scutatus - French sorrel, used in France's kitchens since the beginning of that country's recorded history, is a low-growing ... more

85 days. Apium graveolens. Plant grows good quality celery. Stalks are thick and heavy, but no strings. One of the best varieties around. A variety from Kenya. Disease Resistant. Plant Height: 30" tall.
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85 days. Apium graveolens. Plant grows good quality celery. Stalks are thick and heavy, but no strings. One of the ... more

Oregano or Pot Marjoram (Origanum vulgare) is a species of Origanum, native to Europe, the Mediterranean region and southern and central Asia. It is a perennial herb with opposite leaves. The flowers are purple, produced in erect spikes. The subspecies of oregano Origanum vulgare hirtum is an important culinary herb. It is particularly widely used in Greek and Italian cuisines. It is the leaves that are used in cooking, and the dried herb is often more flavorful than the fresh. Oregano is often used in tomato sauces, fried vegetables and grilled meat. Together with basil, it contributes much to the distinctive character of many Italian dishes. Oregano combines nicely with pickled olives, capers and lovage leaves. Unlike most Italian herbs, oregano works with hot and spicy food, which is popular in southern Italy. Oregano is an indispensable ingredient for Greek cuisine. Oregano adds flavor to Greek salad and is usually used separately or added to the lemon-olive oil sauce that accompanies many fish or meat barbecues and some casseroles. It has an aromatic, warm and slightly bitter taste. It varies in intensity; good quality is so strong that it almost numbs the tongue, but the cultivars adapted to colder climates have often unsatisfactory flavor. The influence of climate, season and soil on the composition of the essential oil is greater than the difference between the various species.
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Oregano or Pot Marjoram (Origanum vulgare) is a species of Origanum, native to Europe, the Mediterranean region and southern and ... more

The Apricot (Prunus armeniaca, "Armenian plum" in Latin, syn. Armeniaca vulgaris, is a species of Prunus, classified with the plum in the subgenus Prunus. The native range is somewhat uncertain due to its extensive prehistoric cultivation, but most likely in northern and western China and Central Asia, possibly also Korea and Japan. An excellent source of beta-carotene (Vitamin A), apricots also provide Vitamin C, iron, potassium, and fiber among other nutrients. Plus, apricots are versatile and mildly sweet, making them a smart choice for adding important vitamins and extra flavor to a healthy diet. Beta-Carotene - Beta-carotene is a member of the anti-oxidant family. Apricots are a premium source of beta-carotene (a member of the antioxidant family) with just three fresh apricots containing about 30 percent of the recommended daily amount. Along with beta-carotene, apricots contain the other powerful anti-oxidants, Vitamin C and lycopene. It is a small tree 8–12 m tall, with a trunk up to 40 cm diameter and a dense, spreading canopy. The leaves are ovate, 5–9 cm long and 4–8 cm wide, with a rounded base, a pointed tip and a finely serrated margin. The flowers are 2–4.5 cm diameter, with five white to pinkish petals; they are produced singly or in pairs in early spring before the leaves. The fruit is a drupe similar to a small peach, 1.5–2.5 cm diameter (larger in some modern cultivars), from yellow to orange, often tinged red on the side most exposed to the sun; its surface is usually pubescent. The single seed is enclosed in a hard stony shell, often called a "stone", smooth except for three ridges running down one side. Seeds were collected near the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute at 6000-7000 ft elevation.
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The Apricot (Prunus armeniaca, "Armenian plum" in Latin, syn. Armeniaca vulgaris, is a species of Prunus, classified with the plum ... more

Lamium (deadnettle) is a genus of about 40-50 species of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, of which family it is the type genus. They are all herbaceous plants native to Europe, Asia, and north Africa, but several have become very successful weeds of crop fields and are now widely naturalized across the temperate world. The genus includes both annual and perennial species; they spread by both seeds and stems rooting as they grow along the ground. The common name refers to their superficial resemblance to the unrelated stinging nettles, but unlike those, they do not have stinging hairs and so are harmless or apparently "dead".
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Lamium (deadnettle) is a genus of about 40-50 species of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, of which family it ... more

The Lavenders are a genus of about 25-30 species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to the Mediterranean region south to tropical Africa and to the southeast regions of India. The genus includes annuals, herbaceous plants, subshrubs, and small shrubs. The native range extends across the Canary Islands, North and East Africa, south Europe and the Mediterranean, Arabia, and India. Because the cultivated forms are planted in gardens world-wide, they are occasionally found growing wild, as garden escapees, well beyond their natural range. Lavender flowers yield abundant nectar which yields a high quality honey for beekeepers. Lavender monofloral honey is produced primarily in the nations around the Mediterranean, and marketed worldwide as a premium product. Lavender flowers can be candied and are used as cake decoration. Lavender is also used as a herb, either alone or as an ingredient of herbes de Provence. Lavender is also used to flavour sugar, the product being called "lavender sugar", and the flowers are sometimes sold in a blend with black tea, as "lavender tea".
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The Lavenders are a genus of about 25-30 species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to the ... more

NANKING CHERRY - Prunus tomentosa. A medium sized, spreading shrub native to China, Japan, and the Himalayas. On favorable sites it may reach a height of 6-8 feet. Attractive white to pink flowers produce small, edible red cherries excellent for pies and jellies. Uses: Medium shrub for farmstead windbreaks. Wildlife: Fruit is relished by many songbirds. Nesting cover for a few species of songbirds. Browsed by rabbits, mice and deer, which could cause serious injury if control measures are not taken.
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NANKING CHERRY - Prunus tomentosa. A medium sized, spreading shrub native to China, Japan, and the Himalayas. On favorable sites ... more

‘Navaho’: Erect type which needs no trellis. Very sweet berries that won’t make it to your jam cookpot! Prolific bearer over a 2-3 week period. Large berry size. Canes will reach 7’ tall; it is best to tip-prune them at 4-5' and encourage fruiting laterals.
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‘Navaho’: Erect type which needs no trellis. Very sweet berries that won’t make it to your jam cookpot! Prolific bearer ... more

The peach (Prunus persica) is a species of Prunus native to China that bears an edible juicy fruit also called a peach. It is a deciduous tree growing to 5–10 m tall, belonging to the subfamily Prunoideae of the family Rosaceae. It is classified with the almond in the subgenus Amygdalus within the genus Prunus, distinguished from the other subgenera by the corrugated seed shell. The flesh is very delicate and easily bruised in some cultivars, especially when green. The seed is red-brown, oval shaped and 1.5-2 cm long. Peach trees grow very well in a fairly limited range, since they have a chilling requirement that subtropical areas cannot satisfy, and they are not very cold-hardy. Certain cultivars are more tender and others can tolerate a few degrees more cold. In addition, a lot of summer heat is required to mature the crop. Another problematic issue in many peach-growing areas is spring frost. The trees tend to flower fairly early in spring. The flowers can often be damaged or killed by freezes. However, if the flowers are not fully open, they can tolerate a couple degrees colder.
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The peach (Prunus persica) is a species of Prunus native to China that bears an edible juicy fruit also called ... more

Mentha piperita. Peppermint is unique in its characteristic peppermint odor. Flowers are small and purple, appearing in late summer.
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Mentha piperita. Peppermint is unique in its characteristic peppermint odor. Flowers are small and purple, appearing in late summer. more

Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla), also known as Swiss Chard, Silverbeet, Perpetual Spinach, or Mangold, is a leaf vegetable, and is one of the cultivated descendants of the Sea Beet, Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima. While used for its leaves, it is in the same species as the garden beet, which is grown primarily for its roots. The word Swiss was used to distinguish chard from French spinach varieties by nineteenth century seed catalog publishers. The chard is very popular among Mediterranean cooks. The first varieties have been traced back to Sicily. Chard can be harvested while the leaves are young and tender or after maturity when they are larger and have slightly tougher stems. Chard is extremely perishable. Chard has shiny green ribbed leaves, with stems that range from white to yellow and red depending on the cultivar. It has a slightly bitter taste. Fresh young chard can be used raw in salads. Mature chard leaves and stalks are typically cooked or sauteed; the bitter flavor fades with cooking. Cultivars of chard include green forms, such as 'Lucullus' and 'Fordhook Giant,' as well as red-ribbed forms such as 'Ruby Chard,' 'Rainbow Chard,' and 'Rhubarb Chard.' Chard and the other beets are chenopods, a group which is either its own family Chenopodiaceae or a subfamily within the Amaranthaceae.
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Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla), also known as Swiss Chard, Silverbeet, Perpetual Spinach, or Mangold, is a leaf vegetable, and ... more

Upright, lanceolate bright green leaves have exquisite deep red veins. A colorful and unique addition to perennial borders and mixed container plantings. Herbaceous. Very tasty with an acid tone. A beautiful addition to salad mixes.
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Upright, lanceolate bright green leaves have exquisite deep red veins. A colorful and unique addition to perennial borders and mixed ... more

Sedum is the large stonecrop genus of the Crassulaceae, representing about 400 species of leaf succulents, found throughout the northern hemisphere, varying from annual groundcovers to shrubs. The plants have water-storing leaves and a typical form of blossom with five petals, seldom four or six. There are typically twice as many stamens as petals. The Autumn Joy Sedum plant tolerates extreme heat and can handle infertile soil. Do not overwater. Overwatering causes the sedum to die.
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Sedum is the large stonecrop genus of the Crassulaceae, representing about 400 species of leaf succulents, found throughout the northern ... more

Thornless Blackberries: For two years after planting, thornless blackberry primocanes tend to grow along the ground, like a vine. Growers may have to move trailing canes in the direction of the row to allow room for cultivation. Generally, only a small crop of fruit is produced in the first season. If growth is poor during the first season, cut the canes back to several inches in late winter to force development of sturdier, more fruitful canes. In the second and succeeding years, shoot growth is more vigorous and upright. Tie these new shoots to the trellis when they reach a length of four to six feet. Some growers prefer to wait until after harvest to remove old canes before tying new shoots to the trellis in a fan shape (do not bunch them). In the spring before growth starts, prune any laterals back to twelve inches to encourage larger fruit. Thornless blackberries have been grown successfully using a variety of trellising systems which are required to hold canes above the ground. If the tops of new canes are pruned during the summer to keep growth below three to four feet, no trellis is needed. Construct the blackberry trellis by stretching a wire between posts set twenty feet apart in the row. For erect blackberries, use one wire attached to the post about thirty inches from the ground. For semitrailing blackberries, use two wires at heights of three feet and five feet from the ground. • No thorns! • High in vitamins and antioxidants • Pest resistant Love blackberries but hate getting scratched by thorns? You no longer have to be extra careful when picking berries, or warn your children about being pricked. Thorns can even be a nuisance to your pets! More importantly - these berries don't need to be sprayed with insecticides because they are seldom bothered by pests. Highly adaptable bushes grow in a variety of conditions. Just plant, then pick! You get a lifetime supply of free, organic blackberries. Plus, unlike store bought berries from South America, you know that yours are completely safe. These bushes produce heavy amounts of sweet, delicious berries. They grow together in large clusters and are great for eating off the bush or for making jams and jellies. Blackberries are one of the highest foods in anti-oxidants.
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Thornless Blackberries: For two years after planting, thornless blackberry primocanes tend to grow along the ground, like a vine. Growers ... more

Spiderwort (Tradescantia) is a genus of an estimated 71 species of perennial plants in the family Commelinaceae, native to the New World from southern Canada south to northern Argentina. They are weakly upright to scrambling plants, growing to 30-60 cm tall, and are commonly found individually or in clumps in wooded areas and fields. The leaves are long, thin and bladelike to lanceolate, from 3-45 cm long. The flowers are white, pink or purple but most commonly bright blue, with three petals and six yellow anthers. The sap is mucilaginous and clear. A number of the species flower in the morning and when the sun shines on the flowers in the afternoon they close up, but the flowers can remain open on cloudy days until evening. Though sometimes accounted a weed, spiderwort is cultivated for borders and also used in containers. Where it appears as a volunteer, it is often welcomed and allowed to stay.
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Spiderwort (Tradescantia) is a genus of an estimated 71 species of perennial plants in the family Commelinaceae, native to the ... more

Spiderwort (Tradescantia) is a genus of an estimated 71 species of perennial plants in the family Commelinaceae, native to the New World from southern Canada south to northern Argentina. They are weakly upright to scrambling plants, growing to 30-60 cm tall, and are commonly found individually or in clumps in wooded areas and fields. The leaves are long, thin and bladelike to lanceolate, from 3-45 cm long. The flowers are white, pink or purple but most commonly bright blue, with three petals and six yellow anthers. The sap is mucilaginous and clear. A number of the species flower in the morning and when the sun shines on the flowers in the afternoon they close up, but the flowers can remain open on cloudy days until evening.
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Spiderwort (Tradescantia) is a genus of an estimated 71 species of perennial plants in the family Commelinaceae, native to the ... more

Wild Yellow Sweet Cherry — Prunus avium flava, Sweetest Cherry This is a seedling selection of the common sweet cherry that has very sweet yellow fruit. Unlike cultivated cherries that are red or black, the yellow color is said to inhibit consumption by birds. Wild sweet cherries are common where the fruit is commercially grown. Trees can often reach 60-70 ft. tall. The wood is a brownish red color and makes beautiful bowls. Dense flowering and fruiting is common with this species. Can be grown in light shade with competition from other plants. Long-lived Prunus species. Zone 4 hardiness. Hardiness -30 °F.
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Wild Yellow Sweet Cherry — Prunus avium flava, Sweetest Cherry This is a seedling selection of the common sweet cherry ... more