A new community building initiative is underway in the Snowy Monaro to bring together local gardeners to build seed libraries across the region.
Seed Savers seed libraries will allow community members to swap seeds, with a long-term vision to see the libraries grow to share veggies, bulbs, native plants and more, Snowy Monaro Regional Council said in a statement today.
Council is holding the first of the seed collecting workshop on Saturday, 30 April in Bombala, in cooperation with Seed Savers Bega.
“The project aims to help the Snowy Monaro find and connect to our local plant heritage through varieties handed down through families and friends, provide access to locally grown and saved seeds adapted to our local climate and soil,” Council said.
“The Seed Savers libraries give people access to a wider variety of plants than just those that are available commercially.
“Through sharing seeds, we hope that we can replicate the success of Seed Savers elsewhere and help create real connections between growers in the community. By fostering cooperation and collaboration, the community can begin to reconnect after a long period of isolation following the impact of COVID-19, bushfires and floods.”
The Bombala session will be facilitated by Liz Worth from Bega Valley Seed Savers – a well-established seed library network that works to protect and improve heritage food seeds and plants. Liz has a wealth of technical knowledge about seed saving and is passionate about sharing the fun of seed saving and sharing.
To book a place, interested participants should send an email by 23 April to: RecoveryAssistance@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au
More sessions are planned across the region in Jindabyne, Bredbo and Michelago.
