seedy saturday at terra nova

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Beans drying at the Terra Nova Seed Swap.

Fruit tree saplings available for sale.

With all that snow we woke up to today, it's hard to believe that only 2 days ago I was enjoying a sunny morning out at Terra Nova's 'Seedy Saturday' (Richmond, B.C.). Though the temperature was definitely a bit nipply, as my friend, Tony, and I walked the gardens the buds were out, the birds were chirping and the arrival of spring actually seemed tangible. We were there to check out the garden's first annual seed swap in hopes of finding some interesting seeds and also to possibly glean some valuable horticultural knowledge.

The area just outside the activity building offered an abundant selection of fruit tree saplings, all available for sale. The indoor space served as the 'seed swap' area. Visitors could bring seeds of their own for others to take, as well as help themselves to the same. I was very excited to acquire some dried beans, whose variety was handwritten as 'unknown' (Jack and the Bean Stalk, perhaps?). I also helped myself to some 'shelling peas', which claim to grow to between 6 and 8 feet tall. More tables were set up to sell additional seeds, provide gardeners with information and even to sell homemade mason bee houses- structures created to hang in one's garden which will encourage bee population and, in turn, pollination. (For optimal success, they should be mounted facing south, out of direct rain, at least 4 feet above the ground and preferably under an eave). The Orchard Mason Bee is apparently considered a super pollinator, as it is 75% more efficient than a honeybee.

As our world economy continues to tank, it is exciting to see such events enjoy increased public interest and support, as more people pursue the pleasures and benefits of growing their own food. The helplessness that one feels while viewing their dwindling financial portfolio can surely be offset by accumulating an entirely different kind of wealth.....one that promotes sustainability, health and a connection to nature?