• Botanical Interests: One of Colorado's premier seed companies with a wide variety of flower, vegetable and herb seeds noted for high germination rates. Seed packets carry lovely botanical paintings and have in-depth instructions. botanicalinterests.com

• Seeds of Change: Offers a wide variety of certified organic seeds of vegetables, herbs and flowers. Many from this New Mexico company are rare or heirloom varieties. seedsofchange.com

• Johnny's Selected Seed: Selections of flower, herb and vegetable seed from this Maine company may be of special interest to foothills and mountain gardeners. johnnyseeds.com

• Burpee: An American institution with a wide selection of standard flowers and vegetables. burpee.com

• Select Seeds: Extensive collection of antique and heirloom flowers from this Connecticut seed supplier. selectseeds.com

• Harris Seeds: A venerable company from Rochester, N.Y., with extensive flower and vegetable offerings. harrisseeds.com

• Thompson & Morgan: Many unusual and rare seeds from this British company with an American outlet. seeds.thompson-morgan.com/us

• Renee's Garden: Heirloom and cottage garden flowers as well as herbs and gourmet vegetables from around the world. reneesgarden.com

• Native American Seed: This Texas company concentrates on growing and harvesting seed from flowers and grasses native to the Great Plains. seedsource.com

• Tomato Grower's Supply Company: Extensive tomato varieties, and peppers, too, from this Florida business. tomatogrowers.com

• Park Seed: A major seed company for decades, this South Carolina firm offers extensive selection of flowers, vegetables, bulbs and herbs. parkseed.com

• The Cook's Garden: Especially noted for unusual varieties of vegetables, herbs and edible flowers. Selection of heirloom peppers and tomatoes. cooksgarden.com