The environmental teams from Banyule City Council and Nillumbik Council came together in 2020 to offer a great community project in place of the Home Harvest program: Seed Libraries!
Home Harvest is usually held in March throughout the region, but with current restrictions, a different community project was required for 2021. A brief was designed for local artists to enter their submission for a seed library to be installed across eight locations, including some of our YPRL branches.
The final decision was made to go with a design from local artist Ravi Sommerhalder. Ravi designed a large seed library unit for most of the eight locations, with another unit specifically designed for smaller branches, such as Rosanna Library.
The seed libraries are currently in the process of being installed across the eight locations in Banyule and Nillumbik including Edendale Community Farm, Hurstbridge Hub, Shop48 Heidelberg West, Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub, Rosanna Library, Watsonia Library, Diamond Valley Library (when it re-opens following renovation), and Eltham Library.
Check out Ravi at work on the beautiful seed libraries in this video.
Children and adults visiting the libraries can also get involved in programs around envelope making with pages from withdrawn picture books, seed saving and planting, or you're welcome to donate or take available seeds. Edendale Farm have also developed a QR code which leads to information around the value of saving and sharing seeds.
It is a wonderful community partnership, giving everyone the opportunity to share seeds, support the production of local food, and experience the joy of home growing.
Discover more information about seed saving through the following resources
Beginning seed saving for the home gardener by Jim Ulager, 2019
This book explores how seed saving is not only easier than we think, but why it is essential for vibrant, independent, and bountiful gardens. A great companion to research how to best engage with the Home Harvest Seed Libraries.
The garden seed saving guide by Jill Henderson, 2017
Enjoy saving your own heirloom seeds to carry on for generations to come. Information includes reproduction essentials, preserving genetic purity, selection and genetic diversity, and how to harvest seed.
Heirloom vegetable gardening by William Woys Weaver, 2018
This is a book for gardeners and cooks interested in the unique flavours, colours, and history of their produce. It includes information on growing zones, and advice on the different types of heirloom vegetables.
The seed garden by Micaela Colley, 2015
Filled with advice for the home gardener, this book provides straightforward instructions on collecting seed that is true-to-type and ready for sowing in next year’s garden. It offers information on more than seventy-five vegetable and herb crops, from heirloom tomatoes and varieties of beans, lettuces, and cabbages to centuries-old peppers and grains.