Imagine checking out garden seeds like library books.
Thanks to a partnership between LifeCycles and the Greater Victoria Public Library, residents can do exactly that by accessing a new seed library for urban gardeners.
After an orientation session, users will be able to sign out up to six varieties of locally adapted vegetables, herbs and flowers with free access to the tools and knowledge they need to grow. Users then harvest and return seeds for future library use.
“Locally-raised seeds are more resilient and better adapted to our soil and microclimate,” says Matthew Kemshaw of Lifecycles, a local organization that connects people to food and the local farm land.
“Members will be able to share the seeds they collect from their healthiest or tastiest crops and return them to the seed library to share with others. It will be a very rewarding experience for our members.”
Membership in the seed library is free. A launch event takes place today (April 11) from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the library's central branch on Broughton Street.
The event includes button making, face painting and a live music performance by the Cowichan Valley’s Wild Sundays.
For more details or to register for an upcoming orientation session, visit gvpl.ca/seedlibrary.
dpalmer@vicnews.com