VSP future - Please read!

[veggiechicken]

If you're a VSP enthusiast, sit down!

After some serious thought, I've decided to stop running the VSP.
I've run it for 4 years and it has grown from a carrier bag of seeds to 4 underbed storage boxes. It takes up more time (and house room) than I have to spare anymore.
Both the VSP & I have been available 24/7 for 4 years and its time for me to retire!

I cannot pass it on, lock stock and barrel to one person as it is so time-consuming. It wouldn't be fair.
My thoughts are to split it into smaller "packets" linked with the Seed Circles and there are some willing volunteers to run these. More information in due course.

In future, it is unlikely that you will be able to swap, say lettuces for tomatoes. Sorry and all that but I felt you should know now that the VSP, as an all-embracing seedstore will be closing.

I anticipate that there will be some here who will be unhappy about this - however, its my time and I've given it freely for 4 years - now, I want my freedom!

[lottie dolly]

PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR VC,

Thank you for running an excellent servise for so long VC,we will miss it,but your time is your time,never mind about the space it takes up,i wonder if,like a time gone by,if they can be passed on to good causes,
3 cheers for for VC and all the hard work thats been put into it.

[veggiechicken]

Thanks Lottie
The "best" seeds are not being give away - they're staying with the Vine. But there will be more people involved in running it - for example Scarlet is taking the Tomato and Pepper seeds and will make them available to members.
We really hope to encourage Grapes to save more unusual seeds. The VSP receives lots of "front of magazine" seeds, like these http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...abs_91614.html which, to be honest, few people want as they already have them
They do get given away but, even that takes time!
We want to encourage Quality, not Quantity

[Sappidis]

To be honest I really don't blame you; the lists were absolutely enormous!! It would be lovely to keep it going and spread the work around a bit, and was looking forward to contributing myself (got 10 packets of Kristian, a reasonably uncommon chilli, and some aji lemons have just ripened) but I really do understand.

Hope we find people to continue it on a smaller scale, I recently bought some ....difficult to get... "peppadew" seeds from Australia and was looking to send some in once I grew the plants.

Your commitment to it is to be commended VC; my only hope is that you keep some seeds to yourself and show us the results!

[veggiechicken]

Thank you Sappidis
Don't worry about me and seeds - I have more than one person could grow in a lifetime

[Jay-ell]

Thank you Sappidis
Don't worry about me and seeds - I have more than one person could grow in a lifetime

That's not going to stop you trying to grow all of them next year though.

Fly, Bob! Be free!

(hands up if you get the reference)

[Small pumpkin]

Jay-ell haven't got a clue what you're talking about


Agree with everyone.
Thank you VC for all your hard work on the VSP.
Here's to you VC

[Jay-ell]

It's what Mork said to his pet caterpillar after she turned into a butterfly

[veggiechicken]

Cabbage White??

[Snadger]

I've never used it but I can well imagine how much work was involved with it.

Put your feet up in your retirement VC. It always gives you more time to hone your pointy stick skills!

[Nicos]

As everyone else says...well done VC...and many thanks for all your time and energy...and enthusiasm .
Thank you

[sparrow100]

Likewise, huge thanks from me, as an avid user of the VSP! Have very much enjoyed it, and I can guess how much time it takes.

Does this mean you're having more puppies?

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Hmmmm! Ya see! I'm not as daft as I'm Stupid looking!

Had a feeling following your very recent post that the VSP's days were numbered, hence my post regarding the extra or should I say surplus tomato seeds trying to get a feeler, not that I blame you in the slightest, it must be Oh so time consuming!

Is a real shame, and think will be very sadly missed by many, but I for one, having seen many posts thanking and accepting their little gifts, stand, commend and applaud you VC for your time, commitment and dedication you and the VSP have committed bringing so much joy to many!

Thank You! X

[Baldy]

Sparrow indicated that this here V virtual seedswapthingamijig was a wondrous thing when I was considering the 'Vine. Sorry I missed it...

[Guest]

Huge thank you and well done from me too You and the VSP have been great but I understand the need for change.