Throughout the summer I enjoyed a magnificent display of flowering Cosmos. The color and splendor of these easy to grow annuals brought such cheer. I started gathering the seeds so I could share my joy with others.
Using Creative Memories software, I created a five-fold, two-sided panel card. Six of the panels feature photos I took over the summer. Two more panels have simple instructions for planting and growing the seeds. One panel has a greeting, and the final one is a placeholder for the seed packet.
I bought 3 x 3 glassine envelopes from the Paper Source to hold the seeds. They attach to the back panel of the card. I ordered one sample card, made a few design changes, and this week received the bulk order. They’re ready to go.
Photo Panel Card (Front)
Photo Panel Card (Back)
Folded Cosmo Card and Envelope
Cosmo Seeds
Back Panel (Placeholder for Seed Packet)
Back Panel with Seed Packet
The Stack
I love the way they look in a neat pile
I plan to seal each card with a self-made sticker using last year’s garden calendar. I’ll fill you in on the details later this week, so be sure to check back.
Are you making gifts from your garden this year for Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza? Please share in the comments below.
Gardening Nirvana 
FANTASTIC Idea Alys! As always you impress me with your great ideas.
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Oh what a lovely thing to say, Laura! Thank you.
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You are so creative and do so many fantastic things! Brooklyn is still saving the cosmo seeds you gave her and talks about planting them all the time. I will have to take a screen shot to get all the instructions.
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You are so sweet, Betsy. No need for a screen shot. I’ll send you the full instructions. Please ask her to wait till spring, and then sow them directly into the ground or a pot in a sunny spot.
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They turned out so cute didn’t they? Love the glassine envelopes, all the gorgeous photos from your very own garden, just so thoughtful. They look so professional. I like how they look stacked together too. Do you collect seeds from any of your other plants Alys. I think you mentioned pumpkins? I know the poppies are full of seeds too, I use to give away tons of heads. Is that a little sleeve around the envelope too? Just Love it.
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Thank you. I’m pleased with the final cut.
I collected several kinds of seeds this year, including pumpkins, 4’Oclocks, Allium and cosmos. I don’t formally collect Alyssum, but when it goes to seed I give it a good shake, and it finds its way into the garden the following year. What a nice idea sharing poppy heads. I don’t remember mine going to seed which of course they did. I’ll have to be more observant this year.
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I always love Allium in the garden with the perfect globes of purple popping up thru other flowers. I tried it so many times with very little success. I don’t really know why. Is it a tender Bi-annual or something? The same problem with Foxglove. I longed for the English garden look and incorporated them every year. They never came back. I think is was too cold for them in Edmonton. That’s when I started to plant ‘Monks Hood’, not as pretty, but a similar overall feel. We are enjoying their garden here…the birdies are chirping and their fountain is filling in the background…OMG, it’s a dream. 🙂
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Oh, I’ll bet the garden is fab. I can almost hear the birds from here. 🙂
I’ll have to look up ‘Monks Hood’. What a great name. I failed with foxgloves too (the snails at them to the quick). I too love the look of an English garden.
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wow…..such an amazing idea and so so creative. Love it!
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Thank you so much, Daya! I’ve really had a lot of fun with this.
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These have turned out SO well Alys – really lovely. Your cosmos were such a success in the summer that it must be lovely to know that can now be shared with others x
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Thank you, PJ! It’s given me such joy. Who knew one little plant could offer such enormous rewards?
I wish I could share them with you and some of my out of country followers, but from what I understand, seeds are a big no-no. My friend in New Zealand tells me that customs claims the seeds or other plant material and either destroys it, or offers to fumigate it!!! at your own expense!!!.
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I’m just happy that you share your lovely photos and ideas! Customs are very particular about importing anything live including seeds 🙂
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Awww. Thank you for that, too.
I would love to travel one day and meet you and some of the other lovely bloggers I’ve met along the way. That would be material for a entirely new blog!
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What a lovely way to share with others something that you love! This is really a beautiful and thoughtful gift.
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Thank you! I really had fun with it. The gifts were far more personal, too.
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