Seedy Palooza

*Clockwise: Tessa and Jane from Children’s section and our very own Amy and Matthew from EYA.

Who knew seeds could attract such a crowd? Saturday February 27^th at Vandusen Gardens, people of all ages could attend to learn, buy and trade the secrets of seeds. Tessa and Jane were seated at the Children’s table on the outside of the floral hall where the event took place. They were given the task to educate children and give them something fun to do in the presence of a more mature audience. I asked Tessa if she could tell me some of the things she had in store for the visiting children. She laughed because I was obviously older than should be, she went on.

“I encourage them to look at a diagram of a seed and to learn what’s inside” she said. There was not only a picture for them to look at, but a small area where seeds had already grown for the children to pick out. As a parting gift she packs “Bean-Bags,” real seeds, with wetted cotton balls that allow the seed to grow for a time so that the kids have a little keepsake and reminder.

When you walk into the Hall where the main area is, you’ll find that there were booths everywhere, not only selling seeds, but also advertising vital information. Very social and outgoing, Dr Aimee Taylor was one of the participants of the many booths. She had a worm house displayed telling me “It was to attract all ages and catch eyes” to her booth, and once I found that out she told me what she did. Dr. Taylor works to set up gardening programs for seniors, disabled adults and children; it’s very inspiring that this event does incorporate every age to create a more comfortable environment for everyone.

None other than two of our very own EYA volunteers were present on Seedy Saturday. Amy and Matthew (Right) were manning the booths near the exit of the hall. They were attracting a handful of visitors the time I was there, and I finally got a chance to introduce myself as well as ask some questions to these two. Both had told me our seeds sold were specially grown in our own garden. After we had our conversation, I left learning that the EYA was also starting a much easier way for everyone to trade seeds, just like they had that day to promote seed trading. You could buy, sell, and even trade.

EYA’s knowledgeable volunteers were, as everyone else was too, very obliging to everyone met. Farming practices, seed diversity, international campaigns and gardening education were among many of the interesting tidbits at the Vandusen Gardens on Seedy Saturday. “It gives children a chance to learn at a young age,” Tessa told me.