Thursday, February 20, 2014

How time doth fly on winged feet!  Even though this is the quiet time of the year, I find so many things to do.  One of them, and the highlight of them all .. was to participate in Seedy Saturday, held at the Convention Centre, downtown Victoria, B.C.

This is my second year at volunteering in this huge event and what a wonderful garden-y atmosphere it is.  So this year I went in early and took some photos before the crowds filled the room.  And fill the room they did .. there was barely space to go from one wonderful booth to another.

Here is a beautiful poster for the Victoria Natural History Society, www.naturevictoria.ca

I picked up a few issues and they are full, cover to cover, of the most amazing natural events and I will be subscribing to this association.   Absolutely everyone contributes selflessly to the furtherance of nature .. how can I not join.

There was a prize of this most incredible raised bed .. from one gardening business.  I entered and .. sob .. didn’t win!

And this same business had a small model of a garden shed that they could build .. oh, how sweet this is ..

Here is the front view ..

Honestly, you could not get near this table once the crowds came into the area.

And another very important table … http://www.seeds.ca/en.php

 

The Seed Exchange tables were busy (later on) and it was good to see families with young children involved.

And this was a truly very important table .. http://farmlandprotection.ca/I am sure that many countries are involved in the same fight to protect agricultural lands from being fracked and abused.   There were a few bumper stickers left and I was able to get one.  This is so very important in every way.

Another seed company .. all of these organic seed business are very crucial to help us all to grow organic, non GMO seeds … and also to share them with friends.

Again .. this empty space was only seen early on the morning .. and soon it was crowded .. enjoy the empty looking area …

Fruit trees …lots of information ..

There is a tremendous amount of preparation that goes into the setting up of the tables early in the morning .. before the crowds arrive ..

And one more table …well set up

This was a handy sheet of information of when to plant ..

And, although I really didn’t “need” more seeds …

These are local native seeds … I’ll plant these in pots …

sigh .. I am surely a happy consumer, busily buying up more seeds, supporting local seeds companies (who work very hard)

And I had quite a conversation with this grower .. he was very knowledgeable and obviously a very serious gardener!

I am definitely growing more greens this year ..

And these were the seeds that I’d ordered in November, from Annapolis Seeds in Nova Scotia .. all heritage seeds .. and I’m sharing them with friends …

 

There was a contest from local schools, the children had created scarecrows for judging .. to earn money for their school gardens  .. aren’t they sweet.

And this was a talk by Dr. Richard Hebda on the Crop-Climate Project

https://www.facebook.com/RoyalBCMuseum/posts/511883918853926

Dr. Hebda also spoke about heritage potatoes ( and I bought a selection from 3 organic companies, quite a variety and I plan to grow them in large pots!!)

Here is a list of the speakers from the last Seedy Saturday:

http://jamesbaymarket.com/seedy-saturday-speakers-2014/\

Twas a most lovely Saturday, despite the rain!  I indulged in paid parking for the whole day, so that I could relax and wander the aisles freely without time restrictions .   My gift to myself.

Happy Gardening everyone!