ABOYNE – Come out and enjoy Seedy Saturday at the Wellington County Museum and Archives on March 16, 10:30am to 2:30pm.
It’s time to think about sewing your seeds for this spring’s garden and there are so many benefits waiting for you at this free local event.
I remember as a kid walking into the garden with a saltshaker, picking a ripe, juicy, sweet tomato, smelling that unmistakable aroma, and savouring the taste you can’t get anywhere else. Then pulling a carrot, wiping the dirt off on the carrot tops and biting down on that delicious vegetable.
Just imagine that coming from your own garden.
Seedy Saturday gives you that opportunity.
“The tastes, satisfaction, and savings of growing your own garden. More and more people are doing just that today,” said Jude Dowling, one of the three organizers of Seedy Saturday.
“Admission is free. The event is fun and inexpensive. You can swap or exchange seeds at the exchange table. Or buy them from the seed companies at our event.”
And what can you get at Seedy Saturday?
“There will be a mix of vegetables, flowers, annuals, and perennials. We have two tables dedicated to every type of plant from flowering plants and shrubs to herbs and vegetables,” quipped Sharon Leggat, another organizer.
“The cost savings versus buying plants is significant.”
Then there are the vendors you can see, almost double from last year as you wander through the show.
Pick and choose from three workshops at this year’s show or get educated on the many community services in the area. This has become a very popular event.
“If you can’t find what you are looking for at the exchange tables, there are seed vendors at the show. There will also be local garden centres, farms, nurseries, greenhouses, a fruit tree grower, and vendors with garden related crafts and ornaments,” said Fred Mallet, the chair on the organizing committee.
“You will find soil enhancers, worm compost, bee houses, honey, beeswax products, garden tools and even garden signs. There is something for everyone.”
Local community groups will be on hand to give advice on gardening. It doesn’t matter what level your experience, the show offers free advice for the beginner up to the most experienced gardener.
The Guelph-Wellington Master Gardeners will also be available to answer any questions you have.
If you lack the space, then venture over to the CW Community Garden Network table or the CW Food Forest.
They can get you access to land for your own garden.
Finally, the Neighbourwoods Tree Trust will be available to educate everyone on the merits of replacing and increasing the tree canopy in our neighbourhoods and protecting “heritage” trees in our community. As I said, there is something for everyone.
Bring your kids too. You can “park” them at the supervised children’s activity corner while you tour the show or attend workshops. The organizers have thought of everything.
Seedy Saturday is a joint effort organized by the Fergus & District Horticultural Society and the Elora and Salem Horticultural Society. Come and enjoy the day.
By Ken Johnston
Fergus and District Horticultural Society