It may still be cold outside, but now is the perfect time to start thinking about your Spring garden! There are so many advantages to gardening, not only is it a great way to get some exercise, but it can be incredibly satisfying to watch something grow from your own hard work. Plus, you get to enjoy the beauty of the blooming flowers and other plants that come with the season! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, the Aurora Public Library District (APLD) will help you make the most of your experience with our exciting line-up of gardening programs in our ‘Get Growing, Aurora!’ initiative. Let’s explore the wonderful world of Spring gardening together!
Our kickoff happened in January with our Seed Swap program at all locations. It was as though it was a potluck for seeds! At this Library event, customers could pick up free seeds, speak with experts, and meet fellow gardening enthusiasts. “I recognized some attendees from previous seed swaps and gardening programs at the Library,” recalled librarian Janet Stephens. “There were also new faces and families. One boy came in with his family and announced that he is going to grow carrots. He was excited to see we had several varieties for him to choose from.”
Attendees were welcome to bring seeds to share if they had them, but that was not a requirement. Leftover seeds were donated to the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry Community Garden. “Our annual Seed Swap is a long-standing tradition at our West Branch,” said genealogy and community history librarian, Cailín Cullen. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we expanded this into a passive Library-wide initiative, and last year we were able to host our first in-person library-wide Seed Swap. Rather than just send people off with their free seeds and a smile, this year we’re offering multiple follow-up programs to give people best-practice gardening information and advice from the experts.”
The experts presenting are from the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners program and The Conservation Foundation. Master Gardeners will be host to two programs in the Spring. First will Indoor Seed Starting Tuesday, March 7 at 7 p.m. at the West Branch and virtually via Zoom. Those involved can learn about soil preparation, container selection, lighting options and how to troubleshoot your plants. Starting your own seedlings for the garden is a great way to save money and grow varieties of plants not usually found in stores or garden centers! The May 13 event will be on Designing a Flower Bed with Seasonal Interest at the Eola Road Branch. Keep your yard colorful all year round by planning an appealing flower bed and maintaining it as the seasons change.
The Conservation Foundation encourages you to Invite Nature into Your Yard Saturday, April 22, Earth Day, at the Santori Library or virtually via Zoom. Participants can learn how native plants and other eco-friendly tools can improve the health of your yard. These tools will allow you to decrease mowing, increase wildlife habitats, and improve the quality of your soil. These programs are perfect for both beginner and avid gardeners or anyone looking to improve their yard, reduce maintenance costs, and help the environment.
There will be plenty of opportunities to get all your gardening questions answered at the Aurora Public Library District in the Spring! Attendees can pick up a Get Growing, Aurora tote bag at any of these gardening programs, while supplies last. To learn more about upcoming programs, please visit our events page at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/events or call the library 630-264-4117.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.