At the Upstate Chapter’s October 2025 meeting, horticulturist and native plant advocate Ryan Merck offered a deep and thoughtful dive into the world of ethical seed collection and propagation—a topic at the very root of restoring resilient native plant communities in the Southeast.
With a blend of personal stories, practical guidance, and real-world examples, Ryan walked us through what it means to collect seeds responsibly: from understanding land ownership and legal boundaries to choosing when to pick—and when to walk away. He emphasized the importance of local ecotypes, genetic diversity, and maintaining healthy, wild populations. For Ryan, native plant propagation isn’t just a horticultural practice—it’s an act of conservation that starts with respect for place and community.
Drawing on his decades of experience—from collecting seed for state agencies to running Blue Oak Horticulture with his wife, Carrie—Ryan showed how thoughtful seed stewardship can support wildlife, preserve local genetics, and help everyday gardeners contribute to larger ecological goals. His message was clear: ethical seed collection starts with relationships, whether with landowners, local ecosystems, or the native plant community itself.
The talk closed with a call to action: to get excited, start small, and share what you learn. Because in Ryan’s view, growing native plants isn’t just about what you plant—it’s about how you care for the land and the people who make this work possible.
