ABOYNE – The snow may be deep but hopes for spring can still be high as the horticultural societies of Elora and Salem, and Fergus and District are preparing for the sixth annual Centre Wellington Seedy Saturday.
The event is on March 15 at the Wellington County Museum and Archives from 10:30am to 2:30pm, with entry from the parking lot on the north side of the building. Admission is free.
Seedy Saturday is a celebration of gardening and a great opportunity to get prepared for the season.
There are 174 Seedy Saturday events across Canada and “a lot are in our area,” said Fred Mallett, one of three of the main organizers of the Centre Wellington event.
Jude Dowling and Sharon Leggett are the other two.
They try to be among the first in the region and their strategy seems to be working as attendance has multiplied year over year.
“Over the years, word of our event has spread,” Dowling said. “People recognize the value of seeds.”
Mallett said maintaining old and heritage varieties of seeds maintains diversity, which makes for stronger crops that can withstand climate change.
“You can also collect your own seeds and regrow them the next year,” Leggett added.
There will be vendors, workshops, and community groups ready to talk about gardening practices, answer questions and rekindle some gardening excitement.
Of course, seeds are at the core of Seedy Saturday and donations of seeds are welcome.
A seed exchange table will be set up to receive and package donated seeds as needed. Seeds may be donated, exchanged for other varieties or just taken from the exchange table. But donations are welcome.
There will also be seed vendors at the event with plenty of seeds for purchase.
Organizers promise something of interest for everyone, regardless of age, gardening experience or expertise as a seed enthusiast.
“We have lined up a diverse group of vendors of seeds, roots, plants and garden supplies, with community groups and advisory services in attendance. There’s something for everyone,” they say.
There will even be a supervised children’s activity corner for youngsters.
Participating vendors include:
– Arthur Greenhouses;
– Gerrie’s Garden Centre;
– Seeds of Imbolc;
– Chawin’s Workshop;
– Hawthorn Farm Organic Seeds;
– Two of Us Gardening & Maintenance
– Colleen’s Garden Signs;
– LittleTree Garden Market;
– WeeBeeHouse;
– CountrySense;
– Nancy’s Creations & Seeds;
– Worm Wrangler;
– Ever Smiles Gardens; and
– Rebel With A Garden.
Participating community groups include:
– Centre Wellington Community Garden Network;
– CW Native Plant Group;
– Food Forest Centre Wellington;
– Neighbourwoods / TreeTrust;
– Guelph-Wellington Master Gardeners;
– The Invasive Species Centre;
– North American Native Plant Society; and
– Seeds of Diversity.
Workshops were a new feature added last year and they continue this year as well.
Live Workshops:
– 11am: Vegetable Gardening 101 – How to Get Started – by Nancy Hainsworth, Nancy’s Creations;
– Noon: Creating Successful Nesting Habitat for Native Bees – by Joe Prytula, WeeBeeHouse; and
– 1pm: Invasive Species in the Garden – by Katie Church, Invasive Species Centre.
“Please plan to join us for an enjoyable and informative day out,” organizers say.
“Browse the vendor tables, exchange seeds, meet your neighbours, and share stories and information on a huge number of topics, such as genetic diversity, pollination, working with nature, community garden opportunities, and more.”
For more information e-mail cw.seedy.saturday@gmail.com.
