by Sharon Jackson
KAGAWONG—The first seed swap of the year in Billings attracted a dozen enthusiastic gardeners to the Billings Library during the Easter weekend.
Librarian Jill Ferguson hosted Seedy Saturday, welcoming knowledgeable green thumb gardeners and newcomers alike.
Pumpkin, kale and ‘mystery squash’ seeds were shared by gardener Rachel, who was thrilled to fill little bags with seeds to be taken home by her fellow vegetable gardeners.
Those who did not bring seeds to swap were encouraged to make a donation to support the development of a heritage seed lending library.
“Hybrids,” explained Ms. Ferguson, “are a mix of two varieties of plants while heritage seeds stay true to the parent plant.”
The goal of the library’s seed swap program, shared Ms. Ferguson, is to have people “check out the seeds, grow them at home, harvest them and return the seeds in the fall.”
Ms. Ferguson was pleased with the great turnout and urges people to keep an eye out for a follow up swap in the fall.
