Ash Bolt
Geelong Regional Libraries is encouraging the community to get out into its gardens, with its new seed library initiative.
The new seed library provides free seeds, including flowers, herbs and vegetables, for residents to swap and share with others.
Anyone can borrow ‘borrow’ up to three packets of seeds from the library for their own garden and then donate seeds back to the library once the plants have matured.
Geelong Regional Library Corporation chairman Ron Nelson said the seed library would encourage social connection and enhance community wellbeing.
“The seed library was created to help foster community connections and enhance wellbeing especially after the challenges so many people faced during multiple lockdowns,” Cr Nelson said.
“The project also acknowledges the role gardening can play in wellbeing and aims to encourage people to grow their own food.
“The seed library is available to community members young or old, no matter where in the region you live. You can plant seeds in a big backyard garden, a small urban balcony, or even in a recycled planter on a windowsill.
“Whether you are a novice or avid gardener, this project provides a platform that supports lifelong learning, healthy eating, and the simple joy of gardening.
The seed libraries are currently located at libraries in Bannockburn, Colac, Drysdale, Newcomb, Torquay and Waurn Ponds, with a roving seed library box that will be located on the Golden Plains Mobile Library through to the end of March.
The library will also host an online Veggie Garden for Beginners workshop from 10-11am on Friday, March 18 and has plans for more gardening workshops in the future.
Details: grlc.vic.gov.au/seed-library
