Calling all gardeners!
Wendy Zwaal, adult services librarian at the BWG Public Library, recently invited members of the Bond Head/Bradford Garden Club to join its seed library, but everyone is welcome.
The library will be ramping up its efforts this fall to collect seeds from gardens donated by members of the public, and it expects to launch the seed library next spring.
“I want people to know we have a seed library,” said Zwaal. “So far, it’s been a small committee — just myself and June Calder — but we would like more input. I want it to be your seed library.”
A seed library invites gardeners to “borrow” seeds to plant in the spring, and then “return” seeds when the plants mature in the fall.
The goal is to share seeds, preserve heritage plants and native species, and promote diversity in the garden.
It also supports food security by giving residents free access to vegetable seeds.
And it is a concept that has caught on across Simcoe County. There are already seed libraries in Innisfil, the Township of Essa, Collingwood and Barrie.
Zwaal invited gardeners and anyone interested in the concept to attend the planning meetings on July 18 and Aug. 22 at the library at 7 p.m., and to come out to a special presentation by the Lake Simcoe South Master Gardeners on Oct. 10 about preparing your garden for winter.
“We love gardening. We want other people to share our passion,” said Zwaal. “Tell other people that we have a seed library. I hope you can help us, or borrow seeds.”
