Last Saturday was Seedy Saturday in Victoria, BC.  This amazing event takes place at the Convention Centre, downtown.  It is a growing event, organized by the James Bay Market Society:  http://jamesbaymarket.com/

Like all great ventures, this one started off small years ago and with the proper drive behind it, has grown over the years.  We are so very lucky.  I’ve volunteered for 3 years and always look forward to be there.

Now here is a great idea to mark plants in the garden, utilizing plant pot pieces.  Everyone has them!  The pots used here are glazed, so they may be re-used over and over, with different labels.

This table had lovely items used for showcasing their products.  Here is a type of wooden spoon, used as a bowl.

This is a carved wooden cup from Finland.  I wasn’t able to get the background story, as the creative person behind the use of this and other items at the table .. was away for a bit.  She’d worked hard so deserved 5 minutes away!

The table had a lovely earthy feel about it …

Healthy looking artichokes ..

I tasted a sample of this Japanese artichoke delicious.  One corm produces 7 lbs., I believe.

And I love the idea of using this folding sewing box for holding seeds, etc.

I always buy Brother Nature seeds .. last year my Kentucky Wonder Beans were marvellous!

Oh lovely lovely greens .. tasty too.  I bought a packet of the Salad Mix.  Omega Blue arms, Heritage Food Conservation.  I like the packaging and will post a photo when I take one.

And the wonderful seed exchange!

The night before the event, I carefully packaged all of my surplus seeds!  Using my nifty new scalloped punch (from a thrift store!!) I made inserts of yellow lined paper.  There went all my saved squash, Kentucky Wonder beans, sage and lupin seeds.  Time to share them at the Seed exchange tables.  I didn’t take any seeds as I have enough, goodness knows!!

There are quite a number of community gardens in Victoria .. this one is quite a big one I believe.

Important.

Beautiful looking mushrooms.  I’m just not brave enough to grow them.   I could have stopped to talk with the grower to ask some questions but I was just swirling along with the crowd.  If he is there next year, I will stop and ask away.

Many years ago, I volunteered here .. when the “Friends” began.

And they had these lovely Hellebores on the table!

They always have the most interesting seeds.  Quite exotic.  I’d bought some a few years ago .. some were successful, some weren’t.  I think I was too impatient or something.

I’ve bought seeds from Full Circle before and I recently met someone who works there and have been invited to visit.  Here is their website ..quite a very interesting place to visit:  http://www.fullcircleseeds.com/

I bought a pound of Russian Banana heritage potatoes.  They are rooting already so I will be planting them soon.  As most of the yard is given up to garlic, I plan to grow them in burlap bags.  I’ve been reading up on potatoes and they really don’t need much water.  Every year I’m learning more.

Ok .. I saw this section of seeds on sale and I had to make myself walk away.  I have way too many seeds.  Cannors Nursery had a sale on seeds, 5 for $2 .. and they are all non-gmo (I checked them online), so I chose a variety of flowers and gourds. And I already have a stash of seeds from Annapolis Seeds and Salt Spring Seeds, quite a variety of heritage peas and beans.  I seriously need more property.

I have lots more photos to share but time is fleeting and I need to do some housework and then run outside.

On Saturday I quite enjoyed wandering around the booths, seeing the results of a years worth of hard work by industrious people.  All were proud of their products and were happy to share their knowledge to others.  That made for such a wonderful atmosphere.

And Christina Nikolic of the Organic Gardener’s Pantry was there!!!  http://www.gardenerspantry.ca/  Christina is my source for all things organic in the garden.  In particular, EM ..effective microorganisms .. yogurt for the soil.  Magic for the garden.

There were many interesting speakers .. and I particularly enjoyed the Seed Preparation seminar.  Photos on that tomorrow!

🙂