Published on Monday, 4 January 2021 at 4:03:11 PM
Denmark’s very own Seed Library has sprung into action this spring at the Denmark Public Library.
In partnership with South Regional TAFE Denmark campus a collection of organic, heirloom and locally grown seeds has been made available to the community at the library. The Seed Library was started with seed collected annually at the certified organic garden from TAFE as part of its horticulture program. These vegetable and herb seeds can now find their way into gardens throughout the Denmark community, with library members encouraged to ‘borrow’ seeds. The idea is to take the seeds home to grow, enjoy their harvest, let some go to seed and then return some clean, dry seed back to the library for future circulation.
TAFE horticulture lecturer Karlee Bertola, TAFE students and library staff collected and sorted 16 varieties of seed including heirloom varieties of tomatoes, pumpkins and beans, and lesser-known varieties such as daikon radish, kohlrabi and buckwheat. Many of the varieties have been grown at TAFE for some years and are well adapted to local growing conditions.
Library Officer Nicola Shaw pointed out that basing the Seed Library at a community hub like the Denmark Public Library makes it easily accessible to the whole community.
“Joining the library is free for residents and there is a wealth of relevant information available at the library for the keen gardener, as well as the actual seeds which form part of the Seed Library,” Ms Shaw said.
Following the launch of the Seed Library in November more than 130 packets of seed have been borrowed by 60 library members.
An initial ‘Something Seedy’ workshop at the library during Seniors Week in November was enthusiastically attended, with more seed saving events planned for the future.
Community members are encouraged to visit the library to find out more, check out the selection of seeds available and be inspired to have a go at growing something at home.
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