Permaculture Growers Co-op: Small Farms Feeding Bloomington

Black Velvet Gooseberry: Slightly taller plant, with fewer but larger thorns. Berries ripen to a very dark bluish-purple. Slight blueberry-like flavor when fully ripe.
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Black Velvet Gooseberry: Slightly taller plant, with fewer but larger thorns. Berries ripen to a very dark bluish-purple. Slight blueberry-like ... more

Black Velvet Gooseberry: Slightly taller plant, with fewer but larger thorns. Berries ripen to a very dark bluish-purple. Slight blueberry-like flavor when fully ripe.
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Black Velvet Gooseberry: Slightly taller plant, with fewer but larger thorns. Berries ripen to a very dark bluish-purple. Slight blueberry-like ... more

Blackcurrant: Unknown variety, given to me by a friend. Blackcurrants are taller than red currants (to 5’) and produce deep purple-black fruits in clusters that have a very strong flavor, heavy and musky. Not as sweet as other Ribes, but are great for flavoring drinks and making jelly. Also, when dried, the musky flavor is absent and they taste like miniature raisins! Full of antioxidants and minerals.
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Blackcurrant: Unknown variety, given to me by a friend. Blackcurrants are taller than red currants (to 5’) and produce deep ... more

Blackcurrant: Unknown variety, given to me by a friend. Blackcurrants are taller than red currants (to 5’) and produce deep purple-black fruits in clusters that have a very strong flavor, heavy and musky. Not as sweet as other Ribes, but are great for flavoring drinks and making jelly. Also, when dried, the musky flavor is absent and they taste like miniature raisins! Full of antioxidants and minerals.
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Blackcurrant: Unknown variety, given to me by a friend. Blackcurrants are taller than red currants (to 5’) and produce deep ... more

Blue Fescue adds a welcome cooling hue to hot, dry soils where little else will thrive. The silvery-blue foliage is upright and dense, but its soft texture makes it perfect for edging walkways or other trafficked areas. And this perennial is virtually maintenance-free! Forming an attractive, rounded 12-inch clump, Festuca glauca is a striking contrast to the greens of the landscape, combining well with flowering ornamentals. Once established it will flourish despite drought, heat, and poor soil. Pest- and disease-resistant, it is truly carefree and long-lived!
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Blue Fescue adds a welcome cooling hue to hot, dry soils where little else will thrive. The silvery-blue foliage is ... more

Chicago Hardy Fig: Produces medium-sized purple-skinned fruits with bright pink/red flesh. Has a peach-like flavor when fully ripe. Originated in Chicago, attesting to its hardiness! 4” pots $6; gal pots $12
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Chicago Hardy Fig: Produces medium-sized purple-skinned fruits with bright pink/red flesh. Has a peach-like flavor when fully ripe. Originated in ... more

Chicago Hardy Fig: Produces medium-sized purple-skinned fruits with bright pink/red flesh. Has a peach-like flavor when fully ripe. Originated in Chicago, attesting to its hardiness! 4” pots $6; gal pots $12
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Chicago Hardy Fig: Produces medium-sized purple-skinned fruits with bright pink/red flesh. Has a peach-like flavor when fully ripe. Originated in ... 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

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

Goumi (Eleagnus multiflora): This smaller and less invasive relative of autumn olive bears its fruit in late spring instead of fall. Fruits are twice the size of autumn olive but have the same wonderful apple/cherry flavor. All Eleagnus species are non-leguminous nitrogen fixers and can be planted as “nurse plants” for other species. Takes some shade. Height to 8’ 4” pots $6
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Goumi (Eleagnus multiflora): This smaller and less invasive relative of autumn olive bears its fruit in late spring instead of ... more

Goumi (Eleagnus multiflora): This smaller and less invasive relative of autumn olive bears its fruit in late spring instead of fall. Fruits are twice the size of autumn olive but have the same wonderful apple/cherry flavor. All Eleagnus species are non-leguminous nitrogen fixers and can be planted as “nurse plants” for other species. Takes some shade. Height to 8’ 4” pots $6
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Goumi (Eleagnus multiflora): This smaller and less invasive relative of autumn olive bears its fruit in late spring instead of ... 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

Jostaberry: A complex cross between gooseberry and European black currant. The resulting tetraploid (has two sets of genes—don’t worry, this is not Genetically modified!) plant is incredibly vigorous growing and taller (to 7’) than either of its parents. I consider Jostaberry as one of the best edible landscape plants—it looks a lot like viburnum and has beautiful cream/maroon flowers all over in spring. Best of all, it is thornless! Berries about the size of a marble, sweet like a ripe gooseberry with a hint of blackcurrant flavor.
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Jostaberry: A complex cross between gooseberry and European black currant. The resulting tetraploid (has two sets of genes—don’t worry, this ... more

Jostaberry: A complex cross between gooseberry and European black currant. The resulting tetraploid (has two sets of genes—don’t worry, this is not Genetically modified!) plant is incredibly vigorous growing and taller (to 7’) than either of its parents. I consider Jostaberry as one of the best edible landscape plants—it looks a lot like viburnum and has beautiful cream/maroon flowers all over in spring. Best of all, it is thornless! Berries about the size of a marble, sweet like a ripe gooseberry with a hint of blackcurrant flavor.
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Jostaberry: A complex cross between gooseberry and European black currant. The resulting tetraploid (has two sets of genes—don’t worry, this ... more

LSU Gold Fig: Medium-sized golden fruits. Developed at Louisiana State University but has been a star performer at Hidden Springs Nursery in northern Tennessee, which is where our stock is from.
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LSU Gold Fig: Medium-sized golden fruits. Developed at Louisiana State University but has been a star performer at Hidden Springs ... more

LSU Gold Fig: Medium-sized golden fruits. Developed at Louisiana State University but has been a star performer at Hidden Springs Nursery in northern Tennessee, which is where our stock is from.
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LSU Gold Fig: Medium-sized golden fruits. Developed at Louisiana State University but has been a star performer at Hidden Springs ... 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

Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera): Native tree which produces the famous ‘monkey brains’ or hedge apples in the fall that kids often throw at each other or play baseball with. Midwest Native peoples prized its wood for bowmaking. Subsequent Midwest farmers have used its extremely rot-resistant wood for fence posts. It is also the main plant in this country used for living barbed-wire fences. Planted closely and woven together, the resulting thorny tangle is known to keep even onerous cattle in! I will be bud grafting Che or Chinese melonberry (Cudrania tricuspidata) onto these seedlings this August, so that plant will likely be available next year. One-year seedlings 4” pots $6; gal pots $12
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Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera): Native tree which produces the famous ‘monkey brains’ or hedge apples in the fall that kids ... more

Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera): Native tree which produces the famous ‘monkey brains’ or hedge apples in the fall that kids often throw at each other or play baseball with. Midwest Native peoples prized its wood for bowmaking. Subsequent Midwest farmers have used its extremely rot-resistant wood for fence posts. It is also the main plant in this country used for living barbed-wire fences. Planted closely and woven together, the resulting thorny tangle is known to keep even onerous cattle in! I will be bud grafting Che or Chinese melonberry (Cudrania tricuspidata) onto these seedlings this August, so that plant will likely be available next year. One-year seedlings 4” pots $6; gal pots $12
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Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera): Native tree which produces the famous ‘monkey brains’ or hedge apples in the fall that kids ... 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

Pink Round Gooseberry: Likely ‘Poorman’ or ’Pixwell’ but also not known for sure. As with ‘Red Oblong’, fruit hangs well under the canes. Slighly more prolific bearing, fruits are round, only slightly smaller than ‘Red Oblong’ and stay a bright pink color when ripe. A little more tart but still very sweet.
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Pink Round Gooseberry: Likely ‘Poorman’ or ’Pixwell’ but also not known for sure. As with ‘Red Oblong’, fruit hangs well ... more

Red Oblong gooseberry: Likely the variety ‘Hinnomaki Red‘, though we don‘t know the identity for sure. Trouble-free plant, fruit hangs well under thorny canes so harvest is easier than some gooseberries. Prolific bearer of oblong, quarter-sized fruits turning from sour green to deep plum color when they are sublimely sweet-tart. Flavor has been compared to plums. Thorny but worth dealing with all the same! These are probably the most productive plants in our gardens per square-foot of space and time invested in managing them. We only offer varieties that are very sweet when ripe and have not shown powdery-mildew on their foliage. Bushes reach 5’x5’ if left unpruned. Pruning can easily keep them 3’x3’.
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Red Oblong gooseberry: Likely the variety ‘Hinnomaki Red‘, though we don‘t know the identity for sure. Trouble-free plant, fruit hangs ... 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