The first public event of 2014 at the Grist Mill had a definite spring theme to it.
“Seedy Saturday” kicked off this year’s season at the mill, with more than 70 people attending the morning session alone.
Seeds and information were exchanged in the Tea Room, amongst several vendors set up for the occasion, including Naramata Seeds, the Similkameen Garden Club, and a vendor dealing in worm casings.
The idea of an annual seed swap is not new, said Similkammeen resident Lee McFadyen, who offered a presentation on organic farming on Saturday afternoon.
“Sharon Rempel, who used to look after the gardens here at the mill, initiated the seed swap 24 years ago at VanDusen Gardens. She is the one responsible for bringing Red Fife Wheat to the mill.
An exchange took place at Cawston Hall for a number of years, but eventually petered out. This function marks a revival of the exchange,” said McFadyen.
Seed exchanges are a common occurrence across the country around this time of year, McFadyen added.
“Seed exchanges highlight the importance and biodiversity of seeds,” she said.