When I got the green light to go ahead, I worked towards developing the Innisfil Seed Library with a launch date of May 14, 2016 at the Lakeshore branch. Starting with my horticultural group connections, gardening friends, my own seed stock and with a few weeks to prepare, I rallied troops to donate seeds and help pack them at several seed packing parties.

The response was wonderful and generous and we kicked off our launch with a bang. I can't thank my donors and volunteers enough. With the library as our partner, we were able to get the materials we needed to house the seeds— envelopes and containers primarily. And of course their incredible support and outreach capabilities helped to get the seed library known and regularly used.

I also develop a roster of workshops throughout the growing season to help empower seed growers and enhance the experience of “growing your own.” Since 2016 we’ve held successful workshops facilitated by me and some gracious guest presenters. Topics have included seed saving and growing (of course!), food security, wild foraging, growing garlic at home, and water conservation. You can also find us at other locations from time to time like the Innisfil Farmers’ Market or the annual Spring Extravaganza in Cookstown.