New Seed & Garden Store Opening in Petaluma, Ca.

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New Seed & Garden Store Opening in Petaluma, Ca.

May 20, 2009 by Emilee Gettle

By Jerry Orton

Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co., headquartered in Mansfield, MO is reaching out to the Great Golden State of California with their first branch retail location in the City of Petaluma, in Sonoma County. They’ve leased the historic Sonoma County National Bank building, (199 Petaluma Blvd., N.) A beautiful structure in the heart of the retail district at Petaluma Boulevard North and Washington Avenue. With its 30-foot high hammered-metal ceilings, ornate lights and fixtures, and enormous windows, this venue fits perfectly with Baker Creek’s theme of heirloom seeds that trace their origins back to a time when foods were healthier, with no GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) content.

The new location will offer California’s largest selection of heirloom seeds and traditional gardening items.

In a recent interview, Owner Jere Gettle said, “A huge share of our current California business is concentrated in a few counties surrounding Petaluma. Not only will we be able to serve those folks better, but we also expect to be a destination for many tourists from across the country.” He added, “The tentative opening date is set for June 8, 2009. We’ll be selling seeds and for a brief time, doing a bit of remodeling, as well, so come on out and see us.”

“We want to thank each and every one of you for making our family business of seed preservation a success,” said
Gettle, “helping us swim against the river of modern agriculture, as we continue to work for the farmer, the gardener and most of all each and every eater!”

Over 1200 varieties of heirloom seeds will be offered, including vegetables, flowers and herbs, the nation’s largest selection!

Interested in working with seeds?
Baker Creek is looking for several employees to manage their new store in Petaluma, CA.
If you live close by and would like to talk about this exciting position, call 417.924.8917 or send an email to webmaster@rareseeds.com

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
2278 Baker Creek Road
Mansfield, MO 65704
417.924.8917
FAX 417.924.8887
www.rareseeds.com
Contact: Andrew Kaiser or Bill Timmsen

Posted in CA Seed Store, Petaluma, Seed Store | 70 Comments

70 Responses

on May 22, 2009 at 4:35 pm JodyM

What a fantastic space!
on May 27, 2009 at 1:17 am Kat Adams

This is the most amazing news for two reasons :1) Baker Creek is a fabulous company and I love everything you stand for and 2) you will be occupying a store front that I had really been fretting about being vacant. The new location is in the heart of our downtown and is so gorgeous.

Thank you so much! Tempted to inquire about a part time job…
on May 27, 2009 at 2:54 am Michael

This is absolutely fantastic news. I’ve been buying your seeds for years for my little SF garden, and now for my little Berkeley garden and I am super stoked you’re coming to my hometown. Welcome to Northern California!
on May 27, 2009 at 4:38 am Sandy Mays

Great news, just heard about it at our Slow Food Gravenstein apple meeting today in Sebastopol. Welcome to Sonoma County! It is a great place to grow gardens.
on May 28, 2009 at 3:03 am tom | tall clover farm

I discovered Petaluma years ago by chance during its Butter and Egg Days, when I was on my way to Bodega Bay. While I love my farm in the Pacific Northwest, I live vicariously through Sonoma and Napa’s amazing farmers markets and gorgeous fresh produce. Lurther Burbank had the great idea to settle there and now I can say Baker Creek will make its mark on the gardening community as well. I see a seed buying trip in my future–Congratulations, and what a stunning building.
on May 29, 2009 at 7:20 am Rachel (PCKGRat)

Yea!!!!

Petaluma is a little further from me, but I will have to make my way up there… Maybe closer to the Gilroy garlic festival. Come open a store in Southern California… I know plenty of people who could manage and work there for you!!! There’s some pretty buildings in Pasadena
on May 30, 2009 at 2:59 am Ettamarie Peterson

Welcome to Petaluma! I think you will fit in beautifully with our area. We have a love of our heritage and many beautiful gardens in both the city and surrounding areas.
Have you hired all the people you need? I know a gardener who is good at seed saving herself and is interested in a position with you. She doesn’t have a computer but is thinking of calling you. I can relay a message to her this week end.
on May 30, 2009 at 7:59 pm Mark

This building and I have a past…..about 1991 it was purchased by Regan Holding and for many great years was the center of a really good group of people who lived or moved to Sonoma County for an opportunity that has since evolved into Legacy Marketing, which is still located in Petaluma…..

It might be of interest for you to know, Lynda (Regan) Pitts, one of the principals of Legacy, is a master gardner herself, and would be excited to hear of Baker Creek as the new occupants.

http://www.legacynet.com/tabid/73/Default.aspx#

Good Luck in your new diggs…..Petaluma is truly a down home community…
on May 30, 2009 at 9:51 pm Kelley Mathias McNeal

Dear Andrew Kaiser and Bill Timmsen,

Hello Iam unsure if this is where to leave a response, regarding a position in your new seed store. I am interested in knowing more about the position and meeting with you…..most of all ..welcome.

Kelley McNeal
(707) 824-9271
on May 31, 2009 at 12:44 am Jan

Congratulations! This is a gorgeous site. May you continue to have good luck and spread healthy, happy seed about!
on May 31, 2009 at 2:56 am joe

Brilliant idea. You could not have chosen a better area. Thank you so much for everything that you have done for the world.
on May 31, 2009 at 5:38 am Shirley

Welcome! What wonderful news! Petaluma is such a beautiful town with so many beautiful gardens throughout our lovely neighborhoods. We will shop at your store!
on May 31, 2009 at 9:45 am Marshall Smyth

Wow! I don’t know if you realize how cool it is that you are opening a store in Petaluma. You will be swamped with applicants to work there. You’re nearing Luther Burbank’s area. Where local colleges have degree programs in Sustainable Agriculture, and Marketting. I would so much love to be part of your team. I’m more than a bit too far, but still, maybe I could be a seed grower or plant starter. But anyway, CHEERING YOU ON!
on May 31, 2009 at 12:34 pm opelske

Does Baker Creek in Mansfield, MO grow its own seed? I read somewhere that all the seeds are purchased and then resold. Will you also have a seed exchange or exclusively retail?
on June 1, 2009 at 11:54 am Jim Snyder

Best wishes in your new site! And, please keep up the good work you do and spreading the non-GMO message. We need to protect our genetic purity and fight the giant agi-biz corporations that want to dominate the seed business.
I used to work near Petaluma. It is such as awesome area with nice people and an upbeat attitude.
on June 2, 2009 at 1:33 am Jeannette

Yay! This is wonderful news! You have a great company and such good products. We’re “next door” in Novato and will come up to see you!
on June 3, 2009 at 5:48 am Stephanie

Wow!! The Old Sonoma County Bank Building. Brings back memories of my childhood growing up in Petaluma in the 70′s. Petaluma Blvd. one of downtown’s main drags back in the day and one of the streets featured in George Lucas’s 1973 film American Grafitti.

With all that Sonoma County is about, Baker Creek is an excellent addition to the landscape. Now that I am based in West Sacramento, I will have to make a trip out west to Petaluma and check it out.
on June 5, 2009 at 6:46 pm Anastasia Schuster

Welcome to Petaluma! I’m sure you’ll love our town as much as we’re going to love having you here. Not only because what you offer is so exciting, but also because you’re occupying one of the most special buildings in our lovely town.

Can’t wait for your opening day…hopefully it will be soon…

Best wishes for great success in your new endeavor!

Anastasia
on June 6, 2009 at 11:18 am confused

I am a bit confused with the oddly stereotypical Jewish guys scraping paint off the windows yesterday. It was quite the sight. I had to stop and look twice to make sure I wasnt in a movie or something.
Will they always be there working?
Do they have anything to do with the business specifically?
Or was it just a prank?
Seriously now
on June 8, 2009 at 12:48 am Connie

The building is awsome. It will fit you business as a great compliment. I am brand new on board and look forward to being the envy of my friends with your fantastic seeds
on June 8, 2009 at 6:07 pm Tom

To Confused:
It is my understanding that the gentlemen are Amish, not “Jewish guys.”
on June 8, 2009 at 8:10 pm Karen Nau

Welcome to Petaluma! I am a teacher in Petaluma. My class is part of the North Bay Children’s Center’s Garden of Eatin’ at the Cherry Valley School campus. I can’t wait to shop for some seeds from your new school. We have a greenhouse, so we garden all year.
http://www.nbcc.net
My Mom is Ettamarie Peterson and her Petaluma farm is http://www.petersonsfarm.com I saw that she made a comment but did not include her farm information. It is part of our Sonoma County Farm Trails. Also our local Chamber of Commerce, Vistor’s Center as well as our Petaluma Downtown Association.
Good luck and keep me posted,I will help spread the word of your business!
I met some of your Missouri assistants while they were in Petaluma this past week.
karen
on June 9, 2009 at 1:28 pm Lisa

You are correct Tom, they are Amish. Those gentlemen do a lot of the construction at the Missouri location, and traveled out to California with Jere to help set up the store.
on June 9, 2009 at 11:47 pm Diane Mello

I look forward to your arrival! What a great use for the building.
on June 14, 2009 at 1:02 am Jenny Stock

WOW! SO excited, as a first time gardener I am thrilled to know this wonderful resource is just down the street! Thank you!!!!! I can’t wait to come to the real BANK!
on June 15, 2009 at 11:41 am Matt Lowe

Anxiousy awaiting your opening in Sonoma County,
When is the opening date?
on June 15, 2009 at 1:47 pm Lisa

Matt, the grand opening was June 8th.
on June 15, 2009 at 8:15 pm Matt Lowe

Got the word. However there is no phone number yet.
I knew the expected opening was June 8 and was glad to hear that that the Gettles have jumped the mound of paperwork to make it so. I plan to visit, support and welcome them. My biggest question, is why Petaluma? I AM NOT COMPLAINING!! I feel Blessed. I often read of the events in Bakersville, MO and am glad that that spirit has come to Sonoma County
on June 16, 2009 at 1:51 pm Lisa

Matt,

I believe the decision was made for Petaluma, because 50% of our mail order business in California is located within an hour of there.
on June 16, 2009 at 4:39 pm Reita A. Troum

please send me catalogues and emails.
on June 22, 2009 at 8:19 pm Nora

What are the store hours? I’m passing through Petaluma soon and would love to visit your new store.
on June 22, 2009 at 8:29 pm Lisa

Store hours are Monday through Friday 9am till 5pm.
on July 2, 2009 at 6:01 am Sharon

Found the ad for Petaluma store in your magazine. Had to go check it out.
Sadly, The ad didn’t say anything about no weekends!
I work 9-5 Monday through Friday. Surely I’m not the only one who would appreciate a few hours on Saturday?
Maybe, one Saturday a month…
Thank you.
on July 2, 2009 at 1:41 pm Baker Creek Contributor

Since the store is fairly new, and we are still in the process of setting everything up, we have not finalized the hours that we will be open.� My apologies for the weekday hours only at this time.� In the future, we hope to be open on Sundays.� Please keep checking back with us as get more settled.� Thanks, Pam

Be sure to subscribe to The Heirloom Gardener magazine!!!Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. 2278 Baker Creek Rd Mansfield, MO 65704 Tel: 417-924-8917 http://www.rareseeds.com
on July 4, 2009 at 2:49 am Richard Thomas

I am very interested in working with seeds. Please let me know if the employment opportunity is still available as I have not heard back after emailing twice.
Thanks, Richard
on July 5, 2009 at 6:13 pm Ray Duncan

Just visited the Petaluma store yesterday. What a great asset to the community. Congratulations!
on July 5, 2009 at 9:07 pm john

what are the finalized store hours and phone # of the store?
on July 6, 2009 at 9:22 pm Rachel B.

This past weekend on my way to the wholesale nursery my husband pointed it out. We stopped in on our way out of town and I was just giddy with excitement! I was so happy to find your storefront!!!!
on July 8, 2009 at 2:50 pm Rick Mahoney

as a Master Gardener with Sonoma County i wanted to check out this new store. it is GREAT! you will not believe what they have in it so far. i go each week to see what they have added. wait till you see fresh vegetable and fruit? maybe? this is a new and exciting business. i want to help spread the word and get these folks down to the Petaluma Farmer’s Market. saturdays 2pm to 5pm walnut park. Petaluma blvd and D street. hey Jere, come on down and set up a table with seeds for the Petaluma folks. these are non gmo seeds,heirloom, no chemicals. i missed seeing the Amish folks setting up the store, but the whole town was talking about these “down to the earth” folks helping out and making Petaluma an exciting place to live,work,and visit. if you have not visited our town or the “Seed Bank” come on down. i love it.
Rick
on July 14, 2009 at 4:07 am Corina

The building looks great, but because of the business hours (M-F 9-5:30), which are now painted on the door, will likely never be able to visit the inside. We were not the only ones trying to visit the store this last Sunday so you are definitely missing business. I would suggest being open at least on Saturdays. This will provide both local and regional customers an opportunity to visit.
on July 14, 2009 at 7:58 pm Connie Madden

Very much enjoying visting the Seed Bank – and writing about you for the Bohemian. What a salt of the earth couple Jere and Emilee are – and Jere’s history and that of his family are as solid and wholesome as is the whole operation. Though landless as yet, I’m now motivated, starting some of your seeds in containers and now looking to buy land!
on July 15, 2009 at 6:41 pm stefen

this is great news. i have been a customer for years, and now i can just take a spin down to petaluma for my seeds! what fun!
on July 15, 2009 at 7:57 pm Rick Mahoney

i was just at the seed bank in Petaluma. each time i go there is something new. i will end up being the guy selling their seeds at the Saturday Farmer’s Market on Saturdays Walnut Park 2PM to 5PM if i have to work for FREE! the town needs to see this place. Thanks Jere and Emilee! maybe today or tomorrow the Press Democrat will have the printed article that appeared online this morning:
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090715/ARTICLES/907149908/1350?Title=Petaluma-gets-Home-Depot-of-heirloom-seed-stores
you could not buy better press! also i will get Bloomfield Bees to sell their honey at the Seed Bank. i will locate a local wine vinegar and local olive oil business to get their products at the Seed Bank. LOCAL is best.
rick
on July 20, 2009 at 11:22 pm Santa Rosa Gardener

I am so frustrated!! I’ve been there twice, once on a Sunday and then a few weeks later thinking that I had to have misread their hours, went on a Saturday…CLOSED!!! How come??

I want to check out this fantastic store that everyone is talking about and I can’t!! maybe stay open late ONE day a week or stay open ONE day on the weekend… I look forward to seeing the inside someday! I may just have to take a day off of work!!

Welcome to Sonoma County – please consider changing your hours somewhat! THANK YOU!!
on July 21, 2009 at 12:24 am Rick Mahoney

i was at the seed bank today. more new things. as a Master Gardener myself i love it. all natural, no chemicals. i go to all the Farmer’s Markets and have been asking folks who have items that would fit in to contact them. make this business a success. ok i will stay late with Gwen and Paul so the out of towners can come visit or even a Sunday. i will still sell the seeds for the store. i work really cheap, buy me lunch! i have the table and chairs for the Saturday Farmer’s Market here in Petaluma. then we can share what they have with the people at the market. this is a business you should make every effort to see.
btw, i am NOT on their payroll. i just love to help out.
Rick
on July 31, 2009 at 10:55 pm Denise Stovall

Just recently ran into some information about this wonderful store. I am anxiously planning a store visit and seeking advice from folks as to success stories about what to plant, where, when and how.

Summer gardens are my favorite but looking forward to all seasons.

I am a rookie gardener and just enjoy the opportunity to expand my horizons. Thank you Seed Bank.

Denise Stovall of Glen Ellen
on August 31, 2009 at 5:11 am Chris

These folks need to buy space in the White or Yellow pages or at least get a free google website about the store with the store hours and days that it is open. Here’s where you get the free website.

http://www.blogger.com/signup.g

I know many people who would like to go there but will not bother driving 100 miles or so round trip with the chance that it will be closed.

If you have a business please post the current hours and days that you are open.
on August 31, 2009 at 3:35 pm Rick Mahoney

Hello Sonoma County, Hello Chris,
each Monday i repost a Craigslist ad for the Seed Bank.
last Monday’s ad: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/grd/1339443917.html
check it out please. hours posted in the ad
930am to 530pm Monday thru Friday, and now open on Sundays 1100am to 530pm. each day there is something new there. i have their phone number in the ad. i volunteer my time to post this ad.
Rick Mahoney
on September 9, 2009 at 3:19 am karen o.

Please open your storefront on the weekends and consider opening at least till 5 or 6 during the week. Most folks commute and work or vacation/day trip to and from Sonoma County. Check out the other comparable business in the area; Harmony Farm Supply, Sebastopol; Andy’s Market, Sebastopol; Whole Foods in Petaluma, Sebastopol and Santa Rosa and any of the other nurseries and organic stores.
I came back to visit my old stomping grounds and intended to visit your new retail shop on a Saturday morning, could hardly find parking because downtown Petaluma was buzzin’, walked 3 blocks to your front door full of exhuberation and found out that I was outside the narrow window that are your operating hours.
The West Coast might be different than Middle America and we lament the 7/24 shopping schedule that we have, however, more extensive hours for your store would most certainly extend your local and tourist customer base.
Thanks, Karen O.
on September 12, 2009 at 3:32 pm debra sarver

Open weekend hours are crucial, even if only for a few hours on Saturday, say when the farmer’s market is open. I almost drove up for nothing. Don’t people work in MO?
on September 12, 2009 at 5:04 pm Rick Mahoney

Paul and his staff are working full hours. m-f 930a to 530p and Sundays 11a-530p. they have done a great job staffing the store. each day i see Paul bring in more vendors and still answering all questions. i park 1/2 block away on Kentucky street behind the Bank of America, free 2 hour parking, about 1 block north on Kentucky is free all day parking. some people park in the B of A parking lot and walk across the street to the Seed Bank.
THANK YOU JERE AND EMILEE for bringing your store to Petaluma!

rick mahoney
on October 8, 2009 at 2:03 am Question about GMO - Garden - Trees, Grass, Lawn, Flowers, Irrigation, Landscaping... - City-Data Forum

[...] [...]
on October 27, 2009 at 5:43 am Hog Island Oysters « Meet Me in Ogallala

[...] day, and the grass on the hills was in perfect late summer gold. In Petaluma, we stopped at the seed bank, an outpost of the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company that has set up shop in a lovely old bank [...]
on November 7, 2009 at 4:51 am LarryXA

Thx, this has definitely made my day!

_______________________
wtf
on January 18, 2010 at 9:17 am A Garden Grows At St. James…Part II – Petaluma Spectator - Petaluma 360 - Petaluma, CA - Archive

[...] more information on the Petaluma Seed Bank see Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co and an article by Chris Sampson of The Argus [...]
on January 25, 2010 at 12:14 am john scurlock

We were in your store while traveling south to San Diego. Do you send your catalog out?? We had one but gave it away and we need 3 more sent. If possible we would give you the addresses (one in Santa Rosa) and two in the SD area. I am a landscape designer doing work in Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe for the past 40 years!!! thanks john scurlock 760 931-6633
on February 15, 2010 at 6:24 pm debbie campbell

I just want to know if you will be selling starter plants this year and when they if you do be available for pick up
on February 21, 2010 at 4:14 pm Marshall Smyth

Dear Jere,
I am so extremely thankful for your hard work and dedication promoting pure seeds. I was doing some research about one of your author friends, and am seeing that she appears to be working very hard against the pure seed movement, and to be working with the GMO giants. Her actions appear to be intelligently designed to be secretive, to support a broad money flow scheme. Perhaps if you were to read a letter written by the founder of Seed Savers Exchange, you might obtain some reconsideration about her. http://www.proliberty.com/observer/20090920.html She has fooled others with charisma and falseness, including myself. I am an admirer of your work, and am trying to help your work progress. Marshall H. Smyth, Lake Pillsbury, Calif.
on February 22, 2010 at 10:05 pm Barb Collins

Fantastic! I will spread the word far and wide and I wish you all the best in your endeavors!
on March 21, 2010 at 4:06 am Seed Bank | Forty-One Spring

[...] Baker Heirloom is based on the East coast, but recently opened the seed bank on this side of the U.S.. It’s great because it’s actually an old bank, and not just any old bank, it’s a really beautiful vintage bank. The interior is gorgeous. [...]
on April 4, 2010 at 4:27 pm Kathy Poznanovich

Thank you so much for coming to Petaluma! Your store is amazing, the building is beautiful and the people are so friendly and helpful. I have and will continue to tell everyone I can about this beautiful store in appearance and spirit!
on April 14, 2010 at 5:42 pm Michael Pollan and The Veggie Queen Agree on Vegtables and Cooking | The Veggie Queen

[...] that his interest in food grew out of his garden trials and tribulations. He was pleased to be at The Seed Bank and noted that the "real economy" is in the seeds, and that you cannot bail out the [...]
on April 27, 2010 at 1:55 am My Visit to The Seed Bank | Crafts Kids :: Free Crafts Network

[...] resource for heirloom and rare seeds. They have a very comprehensive online shop, but in 2009 they decided to open a storefront in the building of an old bank in downtown Petaluma. It is one of the most beautiful and inspiring [...]
on April 27, 2010 at 4:18 pm My Visit to The Seed Bank at Geeker

[...] resource for heirloom and rare seeds. They have a very comprehensive online shop, but in 2009 they decided to open a storefront in the building of an old bank in downtown Petaluma. It is one of the most beautiful and inspiring [...]
on June 10, 2010 at 10:27 pm Jodi Embry

Dear Mgrs:

I would like to work with your company in local sales of your

seeds, I can work with tele-phones or in person direct to

stores.

I live in Los Gatos, Ca.

Thank you.
on January 26, 2011 at 8:32 pm Seed Resources for Garden Planning | Cooking Up a Story

[...] actually a seed and garden store. Jere Gettle, founder, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, opened the facility in 2009 in Petaluma, CA. “We want to thank each and every one of you for making our family business of [...]
on January 30, 2011 at 4:45 am Malik Zafar Iqbal

Dear sir,
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postal adress . AL Ghafoor develper oposit multan artcuncil multan,Pakistan
thanx,
Malik Zafar Iqbal
MD
MB Seed Corporation,P,O,Box,09 Rajanpur-PAKISTAN,
0092-333-6440705
on May 8, 2011 at 1:31 pm Rick Mahoney

A/O 5-8-2011 the Seed Bank is thriving. A valuable addition to Petaluma. Every day something new. A must vist place.
on November 15, 2011 at 6:37 pm Bridgett Petersen

Next time I’m in Petaluma buying pointe shoes I want to check this out. Looks awesome!
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