SEEDY SATURDAY SOWS SUCCESS IN LADYSMITH
Published in the Pontiac Journal on April 9, 2025.
The second annual Pontiac Seedy Saturday event held at the TCRA building in Ladysmith on March 29 was a great success. The theme of the day was working together for mutual benefit by sharing knowledge and gardening practices to make the best use of and protect our environment.
Seedy Saturdays happen each spring across the country in collaboration with Seeds of Diversity Canada. Each event is uniquely organized, encouraging the use of open-pollinated and heritage seeds, enabling a local seed exchange, and educating the public about seed saving and environmentally responsible gardening practices.
With more than 20 exhibitors, visitors were introduced to local seed and food producers, community organizations, and gardening experts, with seminars about using native plants in gardens and creating a wildlife sanctuary. At the seed swap table, gardeners could drop off saved seeds and plants and take new varieties brought by other enthusiasts.
For Chloe Laberge from Junco Seeds in Lac des Loups, Seedy Saturdays are “an opportunity to encourage the growing, harvesting, and saving of heritage and heirloom seeds.”
Christine Anderson demonstrated how to set up a backyard compost bin to recycle kitchen, garden, and paper waste while Cathy Fox of Worm Palz’ explained how to build a simple worm farm to compost kitchen scraps year-round inside your home. Thomas Villeneuve, founder of the newly formed Otter Lake Community Assembly, outlined his plan to create a community garden and seed-saving library to benefit residents. – Dale Shutt
Photo – Residents gathered in Thorne on March 29 to exchange seeds and ideas at the second annual Seedy Saturday. (DS)
