Growing community:  “Seedy Saturday” event set for March 2 at Community Centre

Event a collaboration between Library, Palgrave United Community Kitchen, and Albion Hills Community Farm

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An upcoming event in Bolton will bring together Caledon's gardening community. 

On March 2, the Caledon Public Library (CPL), Palgrave United Community Kitchen (PUCK), and Albion Hills Community Farm (AHCF) are joining forces to host “Seedy Saturday.”

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the auditorium at the Albion Bolton Community Centre and feature a seed exchange, café, garden-themed Friends of the CPL book sale, and family-friendly activities.

Laura Nolloth, Communications and Community Development Coordinator for the CPL, said the event promises to be engaging and informative for all gardening enthusiasts. She said it will be a celebration of the upcoming gardening season.

The seed exchange is always a highlight of Seedy Saturday events. Gardeners will be able to swap seeds with each other to expand and diversify their gardens. The café will feature delicious treats, and the book sale will be filled with gardening books and literature. 

A benefit of Seedy Saturday is the ability for residents to ask their questions to the many experienced gardeners who will be there, excited and ready to share their knowledge. 

“Whether you're a novice looking to start your first garden or a seasoned pro seeking new ideas, Seedy Saturday has something for everyone,” said Nolloth. “Explore a wealth of gardening resources, connect with local vendors offering unique products, and immerse yourself in the vibrant gardening community that defines Caledon.”

There will be maker, potting, and kids zones at the event, with the goal of inspiring an early love of gardening and nature in children. Nolloth said it will be a great chance for children to learn, play, and explore the wonders of the natural world. 

“Seedy Saturday is more than just a gardening event; it's a celebration of nature, growth, and the shared passion that unites us all,” she said.

Caledon's first-ever Seedy Saturday event was held last February. Seedy Saturday events started in 1990 in British Columbia, growing from simple seed exchanges to become winter festivals for gardeners.

Karen Hutchinson, President of the AHCF, said it's great to be doing the Seedy Saturday event again. She said in the 2020s so far, she's seen an increase in interest in gardening and getting outdoors.

“There are so many seeds out there… that are amazingly productive and grow great vegetables. That's anywhere from the professional market gardeners who use different seeds and produce different vegetables to the home gardeners who save seeds for years and years,” said Hutchinson. 

Getting more kids involved in gardening is a good thing, said Hutchinson, noting the Seedy Saturday event will be raising money for the Caledon school vegetable garden project as it too enters its second year.