Sensory Garden Collection

'Omega' Dahlia (Fimbriata) The 'Omega' dinnerplate dahlia is tropical sunset of color that will provide countless blooms.  They are about 36" inches tall. Technically it is more closely of a cactus style dahlia.  We provide them in clumps the majority of the time. Sometimes they will be stand alone with necks and eyes depending on the season’s harvest.   Dinnerplate Dahlias are awesome additions to any garden. They provide structure and color to any garden with minimal effort. They do rather well in the back of your beds because of their size or even in stand-alone rows. They reward gardeners with an abundance of blooms starting in mid to late summer through frost.  Typically they are not bothered by diseases and have attractive foliage until frost.  Characteristics 36" tall Blooms are 8-12” wide USDA Zones 8-10 (Hardy in these zones, lift and store in winter in other zones) Summer to Fall Bloom Duration: Continuous Blooms through frost starting in mid to late summer Full Sun Additional Information Great for Specimen, Mass Plantings, Borders, and Cutting Gardens. Great for butterflies and other pollinators Ships starting in mid to late March (weather dependent) Key Planting Tips Plant in full sun with tuber 6-7” deep with the crown 1-2” below the soil.  Space Decorative dahlias about 3’ apart from any neighbor. Plant when the soil is 60 degrees, well past any frost danger. Dahlias love soil that is close to neutral and do ok in slightly acidic or slightly alkaline. You can amend soil with 10-10-10 or something similar. Just make sure the first number (nitrogen) is 5 or 10. You can fertilize every 4 weeks to help achieve large blossoms. Don’t water until the Dahlia sprouts. If your soil is very dry, water the soil first and then let it stand for 30 minutes before planting. Mulch around your plant leaving bare dirt directly above the tuber. You will see sprouts in 7-10 days.   We are currently transitioing to grow all of our Dahlia stock. We exepct to offer some varitities starting in 2024 but will continue providing imported stock until we complete our domestic plan to raise them.. Dahlias are imported from 3 growers in Holland for us. These growers have supported us for years nad have limited issues.  Once we recevie our dahlias we wake them up to hand inspect each and every tuber.  Every tuber is inspected by me (Andre Paquette) and then hand packed for shipment.  In case of any issues, we reach our proactively to go over options. If you have any questions hit the Chat with Us Now button simply reach out by email or a phone call. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - This classic large-leaved Italian sweet basil, prized for its flavor and heady aroma, is a top pick for many cooks when making pesto. Fragrant plants grow 18-24" and produce densely branched plants when pinched back regularly. Can be chopped and frozen in olive oil for winter use. Annual. Characteristics:  Best Seller Organic Annual plants Plants will grow to 18-24 inches Sweet, fragrant leaves 250 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when soil is warm and temperature does not drop below 65°F. Can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Make successive sowings for continuous summer supplies. Pinch back flower stalks as they appear to keep plants from bolting. Prefers rich well-drained soil. Sow 1/8" deep Germination 5-30 days Thin to 4-6" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Lagurus ovatus) It is difficult, for gardeners of all ages, to resist touching this flower’s fluffy head, which is as soft as a bunny’s tail! Compact but showy, this annual ornamental grass is easily grown in a border, for use as a cut flower, or in a container. Drought-tolerant once established with a dwarf habit. Annual, 6-12" tall. Characteristics:  Annual plants grow to 6-12 inches tall Soft, tufted flower heads Tolerant of drought and dry conditions Good for ornamental plantings and container growing 250 Seeds per packet Instructions:  Sow seed indoors 1/4" deep. Plant out after the danger of frost has passed in late spring. Can also be directly sown outdoors 3 weeks before the last frost. Prefers light well-drained soil and will tolerate dry conditions. Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination: 15-21 Days Plant Outdoors: 4-6” Apart Light: Full Sun   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - One of the most versatile herbs used in cooking, can be used to season any meat or vegetable. Plants grow 6-12" tall with a sprawling habit. Perennial in zones 5-8. Characteristics:  Organic Annual or perennial in zones 5-8 Plants grow to 6-12 inches Tiny, green leaves grow on woody stems 250 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors on surface of soil. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed. After first year cut plants back each spring to renew them and keep them tidy. Plants prefer well-drained dry soil. Sow 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination 10-20 days Plant 6-12 apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Seed Exchange - Given to SSE by longtime members Orral and Joan Craig who discovered it growing in an Amish garden near Arthur, Illinois. Native to the tropics and introduced to Europe in the 1570s. Fuzzy red flower heads resemble the comb of a rooster. Annual, 12" tall. Organic Annual Great cut flower or bedding plant Plants grow to 12 inches Fuzzy red flower heads 250 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Plant out into average well-drained soil after the danger of frost has passed. Good cutting flower, fresh or dried. Sow seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination 7-10  days Plant 12-18 apart Full Sun to Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - The monarch of the prairie, largely responsible for the formation of the famous prairie sod. Once covered thousands of square miles of the tallgrass prairie from the Atlantic Ocean to the Rocky Mountains. Lush green 3-8' plants change color at first frost to an attractive reddish-copper that lasts well into the winter. Thrives in almost any soil. Perennial. Hardy to zone 3. Characteristics:  Perennial and hardy to zone 3 Green plants grow to 3-8 feet Changes color after frost to red-copper Thrives in almost any soil types and drought tolerant 250 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors in a warm area (70-85°F). Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed in late April-June. Tolerates most moisture levels and withstands drought. Alternatively Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost.   Sow 1/2" deep Germination 14-20days Thin 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Currently just stocking conventional The Seed Savers Exchange - Mediterranean native. Attractive evergreen shrub with grey-green pinnate leaves. Classic herb has a spicy flavor used extensively to season meats and vegetables. Great for pots. Perennial in zones 8-10, grown as an annual in the North. Characteristics:  Organic or conventional Perennial in zones 8-10 Grown as an annual in cool climates Plants can reach up to 5 feet tall Tolerant of drought and low water 50 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors 1/4" beneath surface of soil. Seeds need to be kept above 70°F for germination. Plant out after the danger of frost has passed in late spring. Prefers sandy, somewhat poor, well-drained soil. Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before planting Germination 14-21 days Plant 12-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - The dark-green, toothed leaves of this mint species are used for making tea and cocktails and for flavoring candies and desserts, as well as for adding fragrance to lotions and tinctures. Perennial in zones 4-10. Characteristics:  Perennial in zones 4-10 Plants grow to 1-3 feet tall Dark green leaves with toothed edges The fresh, minty flavor Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed in late spring. Can also be directly sown outdoors just before last spring frost. Spearmint will spread vigorously; to control its runners plant in a container sunk into ground. Prefers average well-drained soil and will tolerate dry conditions. Sow 1/8" deep Germination 7-10 days Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - This essential herb bears fragrant grey-green, needlelike foliage and spikes of violet-blue flowers. Also known as True lavender, this Mediterranean native is highly valued for cutting and drying, as well as the aromatic fragrance and essential oils it produces. Plants grow 12-20" tall. Perennial in zones 5-9. Characteristics:  A perennial plant in zones 5-9 Plants grow to 12-20 inches Short spikes of violet-blue flowers Good for cutting, drying, and essential oils Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Success is greatly improved if seeds are placed with soil into a plastic bag and refrigerated for 4-6 weeks. Once removed from refrigeration, place in an area that is between 55- 65°F. Plant out after the danger of frost has passed in late spring. Prefers well-drained, somewhat poor soil and is tolerant of drought. Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting Germination 15-45 days Plant 18-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability. Lettuce leaf basil is shown in the picture

Renee's Garden - This aromatic, flowering landscape herb grows in mounds of soft gray-green leaves covered with a haze of shimmering lavender-blue flowers. Easy to grow catmint makes a beautiful spreading ground cover that blooms for weeks on end. Plant it under roses, in an herb garden, at the front of perennials, or to cover bare corners of the garden with a soft wave of color. Many house cats adore its fragrance as much as its less attractive relative, catnip.  Characteristics:  Landscaping Herb  Easy to grow  Soft grey-green foliage  Lavender-blue flowers  Attracts cats  Approx 450 seeds   Instructions - In spring, 6 weeks before the last expected frost, sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Cover lightly, keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source. Feed every 2 weeks with half-strength fertilizer. Once seedlings are well-established, transplant them 2 to 3 inches apart into deeper containers so root systems have room to develop. When 3 to 4 inches tall, acclimate to outdoor conditions and plant in full sun 12 inches apart.  Plant in: May - June for cold winters or March-May for mild winters  Full sun Sow seeds 1 inch apart Plant 1 inch deep 10-15 days to germinate Mature Height: 12-18 inches  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden - Looking for a lovely, fragrant, easy-care flowering herb that really attracts pollinators? Our Root Beer hyssop lights up the garden with candelabras of deep lilac-purple flower spikes all season long. All types of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds will flock to the pretty flowers with delight. Both the flowers and handsome toothed leaves have a sweet, warm fragrance and flavor reminiscent of root beer and can be used as edible garnishes and in baking. (Agastache rugosa)  Characteristics:  Heirloom  Butterfly & Hummingbird favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Sweetly fragrant herb  Frost tender perennial    Instructions - Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of well-drained seed starting mix 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date. Cover 1/4 inch deep, keep moist, and provide a strong light source until ready to go outside. Transplant into individual containers once seedlings have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves. Transplant into the garden once the weather warms up after gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions. Sow seeds directly into well-worked garden soil in full sun once all danger of frost is past. Space seeds 3 inches apart and covers about 1/4 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination in 10 to 14 days. When well established, thin or transplant seedlings 9 to 12 inches apart so plants have room to mature. You can transplant extra seedlings when thinning.  Plant in May-June for cold winters; April-June for mild winters  Full Sun  Sow seeds 3" apart and 1/4" deep  7-12 days to germinate  Mature Height: 3 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden - Sun-loving sage’s soft gray-green leaves blend handsomely with all other plants, and its pretty light purple flower sprays attract constant attention from hummingbirds. In the kitchen, you’ll find fresh sage has a warm complex flavor that enhances vegetables like onions, beans, tomatoes, and potatoes, meats like pork, turkey, and sausage, and most cheese dishes. Bunches of leafy sage branches dry easily to enjoy year-round. This easy and ornamental Mediterranean herb belongs in every garden.  Characteristics:  Heirloom Herb  Sun-loving kitchen herb  Purple flowers  Attracts hummingbirds  Approx 140-145 seeds   Instructions - In early spring, sow seed 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover 1⁄4 inch deep. Keep evenly moist as seedlings emerge and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outdoors. Transplant 12 to 18 inches apart when seedlings are about 2 or 3 inches tall after gradually acclimating plants to outdoor conditions. Sage plants are resilient and drought tolerant once established. Cut leafy sprigs once plants are well leafed out.  Plant in: February - June  Full sun  Plant 1/4 inch  Plant 1 inch apart  14-21 days to germinate  Mature Height: 2 - 2.5 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Melissa officinalis) A favorite of French King Charles V in the 14th century. Strong lemon-scented leaves are used for making tea. Said to have a calming effect and is also soothing for upset stomachs. Perennial in zones 4-9. Characteristics:  Perennial in zones 4-9 Plants grow to 20-50 inches tall Leaves have a strong scent of lemon 250 seeds  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors on the surface of the soil. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed in late spring. Seeds can also be directly sown outdoors two weeks after last spring frost. Remove seed heads to keep plants from self-seeding. Prefers sandy well-drained soil; leaves will be more aromatic in poor soil.  Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost  Germination: 14-21 Days Plant Outdoors: 12” Apart Light: Sun/Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Anethum graveolens) This widely grown dill variety is a prolific producer of edible flowers, leaves, and seeds, all of which can be used for flavoring everything from pickles and salads to sauces and condiments. Early-maturing plants have dark-green leaves, 6" flowering umbels, and an intoxicating scent. 45-55 days to leaf harvest, 70-90 days to seed harvest.  Characteristics:  Organic Self-seeding annual plant Plants grow to 24 inches tall with yellow flowers Early maturing plants with a strong aroma 45-55 days leaf, 70-90 days seed 250 seeds  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors early in the spring when the ground has warmed. Prefers rich, well-drained soil and a sheltered location out of the wind. Will readily volunteer each year from dropped seeds.  Direct Seed: 1/8" Deep Germination: 6-21 Days Plant Outdoors Thin: 8-12" Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Renee's Garden -  Sweetest of all the mints, true spearmint produces scented bright green, serrated leaves all season. Freshly harvested spearmint has a delicious aromatic perfume that accents, but doesn't overpower, many kinds of salads and cooked dishes. Enjoy the leaves whole, chopped, dried, frozen, or preserved in salt, sugar, alcohol, or sweet oil. Fresh spearmint tea is a delight and making your own Mint Juleps is a gardener’s treat! Grow only in containers, because mint spreads very quickly in the ground.   Characteristics:  Heirloom  Butterfly & Hummingbird favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Great in containers  Summer/Spring/Fall harvest  Frost hardy to zone 4  1200 Seeds   Instructions - In early spring, 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, start seeds in a container of moistened soil mix. Sow thinly, but do not cover. Provide a good light source until ready to transplant when seedlings are large enough to handle. Grow only in containers because mint spreads rampantly by underground runners, quickly becoming a nuisance in the garden. When warm spring weather arrives, sow seeds thinly (but do not cover) in containers of pre-moistened new soil mix in full sun. Keep evenly moist but not soggy. When several inches tall, thin or transplant seedlings 6 to 8 inches apart in pots at least 16 inches across and 12 inches deep. Mint is long-lived and gets overcrowded easily. Divide plants into 4 quarters every spring, replanting 1 quarter of the original clump into a pot of fresh soil mix. Replant extra clumps in new pots or give them away. Harvest frequently to encourage new growth. Snip sprigs of leaves in the morning when the aromatic oils are strongest.  Plant in March-June  Full Sun  Do not cover  Space seeds very thinly  10-14 days to germinate  Mature height: 1 foot, mounding  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.