Hope and Practice: Allison Fennelly

‘Take pride in saving and sharing seeds’

Allison Fennelly of Taftville, Connecticut, shares why being an Exchange participant is making a difference in her life and the lives of others. 

I first became a gardener back in 2016, when I moved to a new house, with plenty of space. My mom has been a gardener most of her life, and she inspired my interest. Together, we designed and built numerous garden sections on my property, and my love of gardening began.

It was only a few years ago that I discovered the satisfaction of collecting seeds. I enjoyed observing various flowers go through their life cycle and reach the “fruiting” stage. At first, though, I was hesitant to collect any seeds, as I found that birds appeared to take enjoyment from perching on plants and collecting their seeds. I saw goldfinches on sunflowers, chickadees on echinacea, and orioles on lactuca, among others.

Now I collect just enough seeds to use and share, and I enjoy sorting, packaging, and sharing them with others, including through the Exchange. It’s important to me for so many reasons. I find the organization of seeds to be both fun and good for my emotional health. Focusing on a task and practicing mindfulness helps my ADHD, which at times can be incredibly difficult and frustrating. I’ve found that gardening is beneficial in managing symptoms of ADHD and ongoing issues from past head trauma.

But it goes beyond that. I do not work, and so being a Master Gardener is part of what defines me. I’m also an artist, which plays a role as well. I’ve never been a person who likes being put into categories, regardless of what they are, and I believe that society’s labels can be harmful. I also believe the “disabled person” category is one of the worst as it is mostly negative and a stereotype. I look for opportunities to “use” my disability in situations where it can hopefully make a positive impact, help others, and break the stigma. People with disabilities can accomplish things, and should be given the opportunity to do so.

My hard work as a gardener, for example, has resulted in making a real contribution to science, which is something I’m extremely proud of. I spend time observing life in my garden and taking photos. I’ve collected a large amount of data, and the entomologists in my state of Connecticut have used it in their “bee checklist.”

Observing pollinating insects has become my passion, especially those wasps and bees whose lives are solitary. The phrase “busy as a bee” is quite accurate! The mama bees forage from early morning until dusk. While drinking nectar, they’re also collecting pollen and scraping it from their legs to whatever body part the particular species uses to transport the pollen! (I noticed this while editing photos.)

Different bees have special hairs called scopa that hold pollen. Honeybees and bumblebees collect it on their legs, while some solitary bees collect it underneath their abdomen, or on their “waist.” Some even swallow and regurgitate it.

And then there are solitary wasps, which I find to be just as impressive. Female Eumeninae, commonly referred to as “mason wasps” and “potter wasps,” can actually construct nests where the collected soil is sculpted. It’s amazing the skill these wasps have developed!

Insects’ busy lives, which mostly go unnoticed by humans, are impressive and more detailed than one might imagine. Each plays a role in the garden, because, as most of us know, seeds develop from pollination. Without bees, wasps, and other pollinators, we wouldn’t have many seeds to share! 

By telling my story of gardening, seed saving, and insect observation, I’m hoping that others who struggle with a disability will be inspired and feel more positive about their own experiences. I want others like myself to have more self-confidence and to show that we are capable and worth getting to know, and should not be looked down upon or shamed because of our limitations. I even recently began my own gardening business focusing on providing for solitary bees and wasps, and educating others on this important topic; I plan to encourage clients to collect and share seeds.

Seed Savers Exchange plays a critical role in all of this, and I’m so grateful to be a part of the community. Ever since I learned about SSE while looking for seeds for a local seed library, I have found it to be welcoming, with staff who are helpful and patient! That is obviously important. Exchange members like myself who compile lists and share our seeds, and the public who spend time reading seed catalogs or browsing the Exchange—even those who do not request anything—are all a part of what makes Seed Savers such an excellent resource and community.

I hope that others will be inspired by my story, and keep it in mind when designing their gardens, whether those gardens are several acres or a few pots. I hope other gardeners will carefully consider what plants different species of bees and wasps rely upon to survive, and understand that by doing so, they can make a difference beyond their garden. 

Seed sharing might not always seem like a necessity or worth doing. But it’s so important in many different ways. Society in general can and does benefit from people sharing seeds. Every one of us makes a positive contribution and impact. This is something that we should take pride in!

Allison lists 125 varieties on the Exchange in 2025. 

SSE’s Favorite Pollinator-Friendly Varieties

‘Bee Feed Mix’

This very colorful early-, mid-, and late-blooming flower mix benefits pollinators all season long. An extraordinary blend of annual and perennial flowers yields nectar and pollen for wild bees, honey bees, and other pollinators, and is suitable for short-tongued and long-tongued bees. Sow in maintained landscapes such as garden beds, borders, and managed meadows.

‘Bird and Butterfly Mix’

This annual and perennial mixture of flowers will provide nectar to many species of butterflies, including brushfoots, monarchs, skippers, sulphurs and swallowtails. Some of these plants will also provide food for butterfly larvae. Sows 125 square feet per oz.

‘Whirlygig Mix’ Zinnia

When one color won’t do, these bicolor blossoms step in and stay put the blooms will last most of the summer. This vibrant mix is loved by butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects and is also easy to grow. Performs well in borders and in arrangements.

‘Bee’s Friend’ Flower

This annual bears subtle lavender-blue flowers with curved spikes that not only put on a show in your garden but also attract and support many species of bees. Often used as a cover crop, this plant’s common name is a translation of Bienen-freund, German for “bee’s friend.”

Pollinator Garden Collection

Pollinators are essential to a healthy world, and your garden can play a crucial role helping these little heroes thrive. Start by planting these pollinator-friendly varieties!  Collection contains one packet of each variety:

• Bee Feed Mix
• Butterflyweed
• Evening Sun Sunflower
• New England Aster
• Purple Coneflower
• Purple Prairie Clover