As gardeners begin planning for the growing season, the seed library at Boyne Regional Library in Carman is once again stocked and ready to help residents get started.
The library’s seed library allows community members to pick up seeds in the spring, grow them in their gardens and, if possible, return seeds from their harvest in the fall so others can enjoy them the following season.
Diane Cohoe from Boyne Regional Library said the initiative supports several important goals within the community.
“Seed libraries promote education, support food security, preserve local biodiversity, strengthen community connections and expand the idea of what a library can be,” she said.
The seed library has been replenished this year thanks to generous donations from seed companies as well as individuals in the community. A wide selection of vegetable, flower and herb seeds are available for gardeners to try in their home gardens.
In addition to seeds, the library also offers several gardening tools available for loan to help residents start their plants indoors. Items available include grow lights, seed warming mats, paper pot makers, mini seed starter trays and seed-starting kits complete with grow lights.
Throughout the year, the library will also offer several gardening-related programs designed to help both beginner and experienced gardeners learn new skills.
Upcoming programming includes seed-starting workshops, a grow giant sunflower activity for children and a seed-starting basics session for adults. Veggie starter kits will also be available for pickup for those looking to begin their gardens.
Additional programs planned for the season include an upside-down gardening workshop, a windowsill herb garden session and a dried flower workshop. In the fall, the library will also host a pumpkin decorating event.
Siblings Ophelia, Clementine and Micah Enns were among the young gardeners who took part in seed-planting activities at the library last year and said the experience helped spark their excitement for the growing season.
Eight-year-old Ophelia said watching the plants begin to grow was the most exciting part.
“I felt happy and excited when I saw my plants start to grow,” she said. Ophelia planted pansies, celosia and sunflowers and said next time she would like to try growing carrots, peas, zinnias and bachelor buttons.
Clementine, 5, said she especially enjoyed choosing from the many seed options available.
“I was excited and I liked all the new seeds,” she said. Clementine planted cherry tomatoes, peas and nasturtiums and hopes to grow flowers, carrots and cucumbers next time.
Their older brother Micah, 11, who has been gardening for several years, said he appreciated the variety of seeds available through the library.
“I felt hopeful for summer,” he said. “I really liked all the varieties of seeds the library has.” Micah planted tomatoes, basil, rosemary and peas and said tomatoes remain his favourite crop to grow.
Library organizers say they are especially excited about helping people feel comfortable trying something new.
“We are excited about helping people feel confident starting seeds and discovering how fun and accessible gardening can be,” said Cohoe. “We love that the workshops bring people together and support the seed library’s mission of sharing knowledge and resources.”
The seed library program follows a simple cycle: residents choose seeds from the library, grow them in their gardens and, if possible, collect seeds in the fall to donate back for the next growing season.
To help ensure good germination rates, returned seeds should be no more than two years old and include the seed name, variety and colour. Volunteers assist with packaging and labeling donated seeds for the library collection.
Beyond gardening, organizers say the program also plays an important role in strengthening local connections.
“The seed library and gardening workshops bring people together in a welcoming space to share information, encourage the community to use their public library and provide opportunities to try new seeds,” Diane Cohoe said.
For those new to gardening, she says the seed library offers a great place to begin.
“Many of the seeds in the seed library are easy to grow and perfect for first-time gardeners,” she said. “Join one of our workshops at the library and check out the Carman Garden Club for upcoming events. Carman and area has a strong gardening culture with an abundance of knowledge to share.”
Organizers hope the program will continue to grow in the years ahead.
“We hope people come away with long-term confidence in growing their own food, a sense of connection to their neighbours and an appreciation for sharing resources,” said Cohoe. “If the Seed Library can help build a community that learns together, supports each other and keeps local gardening traditions alive, that’s a lasting success.”
For more information on upcoming programs or to explore the seed library, visit www.boyneregionallibrary.com or stop by the Boyne Regional Library in Carman.
