“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” –Leo Tolstoy
Gardeners rejoice! The growing season countdown is on, and it’s time to get planning. Whether you’re tender of a backyard masterpiece or a small plot in a community garden (learn how to get one here), spring is the time to start turning the wheels on your winter daydreams. Of course, a garden is nothing without its seeds. So, where do you find them? Seedy Sunday!
Starting in Vancouver in 1989, “Seedy Saturdays” and “Seedy Sundays” are now held annually in cities and towns across the country. They are public events, organized by volunteers, which host home and community gardeners of all levels, seed savers, native plant collector and environmental organizations, particularly those focused on food systems and agricultural conservation. The mandate of Edmonton’s Seedy Sunday is to promote seed saving and sharing, support the distribution and planting of organic, open-pollinated seeds (meaning seeds that will produce plants mostly identical to their parents, so you know what to expect), share information and inspire a community of gardeners young and old.
The 2016 event is on Sunday, March 20, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Central Lions Senior Citizens Recreation Centre (note the new location if you’ve attended in the past). Entrance is free, though donations are encouraged. Along with many seed vendors from Alberta and neighbouring provinces, Seedy Sunday also hosts a free “seed swap” where you can trade previous seasons’ leftovers with your fellow gardeners (please make sure they’re labelled!) Plus, there are crafts for kids, tons of resource books, information booths, and a speaker series. This year, speakers will be focused on soil, food security and sustainability, saving seeds and how to extend the growing season (an especially relevant talk for Edmonton gardeners).
Can’t make it out on March 20? No problem! Many vendors sell seeds in the city and online, so check out the lists and suggestions on the Edmonton Seedy Sunday website here and here.
For more information on native plants and other local gardening resources, check out: the Alberta Native Plant Council, the Edmonton Native Plant Group, the Edmonton Permaculture Guild, and the Edmonton Horticultural Society. Or, if you’re ready to take your gardening to the next level, think about becoming an Alberta Master Gardener!
Follow Seedy Sunday on Twitter and like their Facebook page.
New to gardening? Check out this post for tips on how to get started!