Share, Learn & Grow

by Janice Teel

Seedy Saturdays are a Canadian invention, rooted in a simple idea: gardeners sharing seeds and knowledge with one another. The first event was organized in 1990, by horticulturist Sharon Rempel at VanDusen Botanical Garden, in Vancouver. What began as a local seed exchange has since grown into a nationwide tradition, celebrated in communities across the country, including Pefferlaw.

Gardeners across Georgina and Brock are invited to dig into spring, at Seedy Saturday – Share, Learn & Grow, on Saturday, March 21st, at the Pefferlaw Lions Community Centre.

Running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 38 Pete’s Line, in Pefferlaw, the free-admission event marks the arrival of Spring and welcomes gardeners of all ages and experience levels. The day is hosted by local horticultural clubs, from Cannington and Georgina-Brock, and features a full schedule of activities, workshops and vendors.

One of the most popular attractions is the Seed Swap Table, where visitors can share and exchange seeds they have saved. Organizers encourage participants to bring small, clearly labelled packets of vegetable, herb, flower and native seeds, to trade with fellow gardeners.

Experts will be available throughout the day. Members of the Durham Master Gardeners and Lake Simcoe South groups will answer gardening questions, while booths, hosted by the Cannington Horticultural Club, Georgina-Brock and Beaverton garden clubs, will provide information on local initiatives and growing tips.

A wide variety of vendors will also be on site, offering seeds, native plants, garden art, lavender products, preserves, floral items, tea, pottery, organic compost, mushrooms and more. Visitors can pause at the Seedy Café for refreshments and a chance to connect with neighbours.

Scheduled programs begin at 9:30 a.m., with Paul Lubberts, of the York Region Food Network, presenting Nutrient-Rich Garden Compost. At 10:30 a.m., the Georgina Public Library will host a children’s story time, followed by a Durham Master Gardeners “Ask an Expert” Q&A panel, at 10:45 a.m. A Youth Seed Sowing Workshop will take place at noon.

For more information, email chsandgbgcseedysat@gmail.com