Get ready for the growing season! It’s time again for the Aurora Public Library District’s (APLD) Seed Swap Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon. This program isn’t just about swapping sprouts; it’s about cultivating connections and growing together as a community.
Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturalist, or a curious sproutling, everyone is welcome. Connect with fellow green thumbs, exchange tips, and swap tales of triumphant tomatoes and valiant zucchini battles. Historically, members of the community donate seeds from their successful gardens to the Seed Swap for others to plant. “I love to see what people have been growing, and it’s very cool to think that an individual’s garden has literally taken root at other community members’ homes,” said librarian Megan Cavitt, whose own plant collection developed with the help of others. “I personally got my first houseplants from friends who had re-potted clippings from their own plants,” she added. By exchanging plants and educating new gardeners, we cultivate a community of growers who can discover the joy of growing their own food and learning sustainable growing practices.
Because Library staff members aren’t necessarily plant experts, we once again welcome the University of Illinois Extension master gardeners to each location for the Seed Swap. They will be on hand to answer your questions and guide you on your gardening journey. We will welcome them to the Eola Road Branch Monday, March 11, for a program entitled Bargain Gardening. Some prospective gardeners don’t know where to start with gardening and may feel like they lack the money for quality seeds, or tools, but gardening doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. “I’m hopeful that the Bargain Gardening program will open the door for more people to grow their own food or flowers,” said Cavitt. One perk of gardening is that it has no age requirements. If you know teenagers who are looking to get involved, bring them along!
Anyone who is interested in growing their own plants, especially vegetables, is encouraged to visit any APLD location on Saturday, Jan. 27 between 10 a.m. and noon. We’ve already received flower, herb, and vegetable seed, donations from multiple sources, including an organization that preserves heirloom seeds. Heirloom seeds are unique varieties of plants that are carefully bred and preserved by a small group, sometimes just a single family! We hope the sheer variety of available seeds will inspire attendees to grow something new. A seed donation is not required to attend, but if you have any (labeled) seeds that you’d like to share, we welcome them! Let’s work together to nourish our community, one seed at a time.
For more information, please visit our events page www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/events or contact the library at 630-264-4117.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.