The Sechelt Public Library, in conjunction with the Sunshine Coast Seed Collective, is starting a seed library and they are inviting the public to participate.
The basic idea is that you can borrow seeds just like you would books. Take some seeds, plant them, enjoy the fruits of your labour and let some go to seed. Then return some of these next generation seeds for others to borrow.
Sixty-eight packages of seeds, from the One Straw Society’s Seedy Saturday, are available at the library desk and include 14 different kinds of vegetables and beans and three varieties of sunflowers. Because the planting season has begun, the goal this spring is to get the seeds to the growers. Future plans include providing support materials and advice for beginner gardeners who would like to plant and collect the seeds.
By using the local seed library, you are helping:
• To promote local agriculture, because over time, by growing out collections of seeds on the Sunshine Coast, the seeds will adapt to the environment of our region.
• To build an infrastructure of sustainability.
• To create a gifting economy where people receive freely and can give back.
• To begin a historical and cultural account of local food producers and the stories of seeds.
• To promote the literacy of nature which can read the cycles and needs of plants through careful observation and caring for the earth.
The only information collected is the borrower’s name and email address for future communication about the seed library.
— Submitted
