Good morning from Minneapolis where a dusting of snowfall is moving across the region to brighten the landscape. An inch or two when all is said and done.

Quite early Sunday morning it's 20℉; overcast skies; gusty south-southwest winds; barometer reads Fair; and visibility is 10 miles at the airport.

Heading for a high temperature of 29℉.

The Full Moon has set.

Cold-hearted orb that rules the night
Removes the colours from our sight
Red is grey and yellow white
But we decide which is right
And which is an illusion
—from Graeme Edge, "Late Lament;" The Moody Blues, "Days of Future Passed"

2026: 32 days in/333 out.

We've a long row to hoe.

#mnwx #SeedLibrary #poem

#ChinaME: Does your town have a #SeedLibrary

by Jude Hsiang
April 23, 2025

"Does your town have a Seed Library? Seed Libraries are found all over the world, enabling gardeners to save money and try new types of vegetables, herbs, and flowers."

Read more:
https://townline.org/china-does-your-town-have-a-seed-library/

#SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #BorrowDontBuy #SeedLibraries #SeedExchange #GrowYourOwn #Gardening #Maine

#CamdenME - Check-Out Seeds

"Would you like to take some seeds from the #SeedLibrary for your own garden? Follow the steps below to check out the seeds you want to take!"

FMI:
https://www.librarycamden.org/seedlibrary/

#SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #SeedLibraries #SeedExchange #GrowYourOwn #Gardening #Maine

#PortlandCT - Garden Club #SeedSwap Jan. 31 in Portland, Connecticut

"Celebrate National Seed Swap Day with the Portland River Valley Garden Club on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Waverly Center, 7 Waverly Ave, Portland, Connecticut.

"Thanks to our sponsors - Burpee Seeds, Harts Seeds, NE Seed, MI Gardener and Baker Creek Seeds - we have a large selection of seeds available for you to take and swap. You can also bring labeled seeds saved from your garden or unopened seed packets from last year.

"Club members will be offering demos on making #SeedBombs, #WinterSowing and growing #microgreens. Plant #basil or #chive seeds to take home. Visit #RiverBendBookshop’s pop-up garden-themed #BookFair and learn about the Portland Library’s #SeedLibrary. Delicious comfort food and refreshments will be available.

Admission is free; food bank donations are encouraged."

For more details, visit the Portland River Valley Garden Club website: https://portland-river-valley-garden-club.blogspot.com/

Source:
https://seedswapday.blogspot.com/2026/

#SolarPunkSunday #Connecticut #NationalSeedSwapDay #GrowYourOwn #SeedExchange #BuildingCommunity
#Gardening #SharingKnowledge

Over the past year, the #LifeCycles team has been taking a deep dive into reimagining what the #SeedLibrary can be. With the help of many dedicated volunteers, we’ve spent significant time sorting and organizing seeds, and we’re excited to share what’s coming next.

By the end of February, #seed #donation bins will be launched at each of #GreaterVictoriaPublicLibrary branches. The Seed Library at the Broughton branch in downtown Victoria, which will both collect and distribute seeds, is expected to be fully functional by March.

We are also shifting how #seeds are accessed at the #library to make them more #accessible and increase their reach. The Seed Library will function more like a Seed Box - prioritizing ease of access, because we believe that access to seeds—especially amid rising food costs—is an important part of local #foodsecurity.

Alongside this, we are planning to continue the Seed Library’s core work of growing out heirloom and locally adapted varieties so they remain accessible in our region. As these seeds become available, we will put these seeds into rotation in the Broughton Branch Seed Library.

Alongside this, we are planning to continue the Seed Library’s core work of growing out heirloom and locally adapted varieties so they remain accessible in our region. As these seeds become available, we will put these seeds into rotation in the Broughton Branch Seed Library.

We’re also planning two #SeedWorkshops this year — a beginner workshop in the spring and a more advanced workshop in the summer. More details coming soon!

#Volunteer opportunities - come help us!

We have two remaining seed-sorting shifts and we would love your help:

Monday, January 19, 10:00 am–12:00 pm

Monday, January 26, 1:00–3:00 pm

Shifts take place at our Esquimalt office (808 Viewfield Rd, Unit A). Snacks are provided! You can sign up through the Gleaning Hub under Join → Shifts
https://gleaning.lifecyclesproject.ca/

#VolunteersNeeded #FreeSeeds #SeedsSharing #SeedsForCommunity #SeedsSovereignty #DonateSeeds #SortSeeds #Nonprofit #VictoriaBC #Saanich #Esquimalt #VicWest #ViewRoyal #OakBay #Langford #Colwood #Metchosin #Sooke #YYJ #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #PNW #SeedsForTheRevolution

Canadian friends, if you are in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nova Scotia - you can get free native seeds from The Wildflower Seed Library. Check them out. <3 (These provinces share native flowers, which is why it's limited).

https://wildflowerseedlibrary.ca/shop/

#Canadian #seedlibrary #nativeplants

@mrillig try #solarpunk and #seedlibrary

My local library is also a seed library. Pretty neat. Pomni is happy about that (it may not look like it).

#library #publicLibrary #SeedLibrary #Pomni #TADC

Seed Libraries at Public Libraries Are Growing
https://www.almanac.com/seed-libraries-public-libraries-are-growing

#SolarPunkSunday #Seeds #SeedLibrary #SeedLibraries #PublicLibraries

#BucksportME! "The #Bucksprouts #SeedLibrary is now open! Community members can come take seeds to plant and grow their own flowers and vegetables. Our initial seed donation was through the generosity of #HighMowingSeeds with additional seeds donated by #Mainescape and other patrons. Our intent is for gardeners to learn how to #SaveSeeds so that we can provide this resource for years to come. Many thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers who made this possible. Come take some seeds, learn gardening tips, and network with others who garden too."

Learn more:
https://www.bucklibrary.org/for-our-patrons/bucksprouts-seed-library

#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #MaineLibraries #LibrariesRule #SeedLibraries

Obtaining Seeds
https://www.seedlibrarynetwork.org/obtaining-seeds.html

#SolarPunkSunday #Seeds #SeedLibrary #SeedLibraries #SeedLibraryNetwork

#OldTownME #PublicLibrary - What is a #SeedLibrary?

"A Seed Library is a community-driven resource where people can borrow seeds, grow them, and then return some of the harvest’s seeds to share with others. It's a fantastic way to promote biodiversity, sustainability, and self-sufficiency within our community. By participating, you contribute to the preservation of unique, locally-adapted plant varieties while helping others grow their own food.

How It Works
- Borrow Seeds: Visit our Seed Library and browse through the available varieties. Choose the seeds that fit your gardening space and needs.
- Plant and Grow: Take the seeds home and plant them! We provide helpful gardening tips and instructions to help you grow your plants successfully.
- Save and Return Seeds: At the end of the growing season, save seeds from your healthiest, most productive plants. Then, return these seeds to the library for others to borrow.

Why Participate in Our Seed Library?
- Promote #Biodiversity: Help preserve and propagate locally-adapted plants.
- Access to Free Seeds: #Gardening should be accessible to everyone, and we believe in removing barriers like seed cost.
- #Sustainable Gardening: By saving and sharing seeds, we create a cycle of sustainability that benefits the environment and community.
- Build #Community: Our Seed Library fosters collaboration, education, and a deeper connection with nature and neighbors.

What Seeds Do We Offer?

We offer a wide variety of seeds that are well-suited to our local climate and conditions. Some of the seed varieties we offer include:
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, peas, carrots, and more!
- Herbs: Basil, oregano, thyme, mint, and rosemary.
- Flowers: Sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, and other #PollinatorFriendly flowers.
- #NativePlants: Local species that support #pollinators and other #wildlife."

FMI - https://old-town.lib.me.us/index.asp?SEC=2CC0E559-E0E2-4CF2-9BA3-39BD33F05269

#SolarPunkSunday #SeedLibraries #LibrariesRule! #BuildingCommunity #GrowYourOwn

List of #MaineLibraries with #SeedLibraries!

Buck Memorial Library
47 Main St, #BucksportME

Waterville Public Library
73 Elm St, #WatervilleME

Ellsworth Public Library
20 State St, #EllsworthME

Northeast Harbor Library
1 Joy Road, #NortheastHarborME

Caribou Public Library
30 High Street, #CaribouME

Thompson Free Library
186 E. Main St, #DoverFoxcroftME

Searsmont Town Library
37 Main Street, #SearsmontMe

Wells Public Library
1434 Post Road, #WellsME

Milbridge Public Library
18 School Street, #MilbridgeME

Bangor Public Library
145 Harlow St, #BangorME

Friend Memorial Public Library
1 Reach Road, #BrooklinME

D.A. Hurd Library
41 High St, #NorthBerwickME

Curtis Memorial Library
23 Pleasant St, #BrunswickME

William Fogg Library
116 Old Road, #EliotME

Carver Memorial Library
12 Union St, #Searsport

Brown Memorial Library
53 Railroad St, #ClintonME

#SolarPunkSunday #SeedLibrary #GrowYourOwn #LibrariesRule!

#Maine - #SeedLibraries Are Sprouting Up Around the #PineTreeState

#MaineLibraries have added seed “borrowing” to their growing list of resources.

by Nora Saks, April 2024

Read more:
https://downeast.com/home-and-garden/maine-seed-libraries/

#SolarPunkSunday #SeedLibrary #LibrariesRule! #GrowYourOwn

Lots of good news with LifeCycles to share, once I get the green light to announce details to public. Final tasks being done for delayed Victoria #SeedLibrary relaunch.
We'll be showing our non-alcoholic cider collaboration with Spinnakers at the Circular Economy Speaker Series in November, hosted/facilitated by City of Victoria.
We're prepping for a large jam making work party & start chopping fruits, next week.

I'm having a phone meeting with Ella this morning to get list of mostly job tasks to carry me over Winter.

Found this through the #PennState Extension web page...

#SeedSaversExchange - #SeedSaving: Introduction

"Why Save Seeds?

Have you ever tried to save seeds from your crops? While the topic may seem daunting, anyone can do it! Not only is seed saving practical, it’s also very rewarding and essential for biodiversity preservation.

Why save seeds?

- You increase your #SelfReliance.
- You connect to nature and your food.
- You save money on future seeds.
- You establish ties to history.
- You adapt varieties to your local climate.
- Saved seeds make great personal gifts.
- You help preserve #biodiversity.
- You join a unique and large community of seed savers!

Seed Saving at Seed Savers Exchange

Saving seeds is integral to our mission at Seed Savers Exchange. It’s right there in our name! At our Heritage Farm headquarters, we steward a living collection of over 20,000 different varieties of seed crops, potatoes, garlic, grapes, and apples. Learn more about preservation at SSE.

There is inherent value in all of the seeds we work to protect. Some of the plants we preserve have a strong cultural history. Others possess unique culinary properties, and others display resilience to climatic events or invasive pests. Read seed stories from the collection.
Rows of large metal shelves full of boxes with many seed packets
The seed bank at Heritage Farm

By saving your own seeds, you play an important part in carrying out our collective mission. It’s up to all of us to lend a hand by saving and sharing seeds. Other ways to support SSE.

You don’t have to save seeds alone! By saving seeds, you join a community of countless other gardeners with similar interests. SSE facilitates the largest free seed swap between home gardeners like yourself. Through the Exchange, gardeners can request seeds from other gardeners, and list their own to share!"

Saving seeds also gives you a special opportunity to make an impact in your own community. Join or start a local #SeedLibrary, attend or host a #seedswap and connect with local gardeners!

Through the Community Seed Network, co-created by SSE, you can connect with other gardeners. You will also find extensive resources on creative ways to share seeds within your community."

Learn more [includes isolation methods, know your plants, harvesting and cleaning seeds]:
https://seedsavers.org/learn/seed-saving/

#SolarPunkSunday #SeedSaving
#HarvestTime #Harvesting #SeedSavers #FoodSecurity #GrowYourOwn #HierloomSeeds

Follow #SeedLibrary on #SolarPunkSunday

🌱🐝 Our Native Plant & Seed Library is back! Join us for the 2025 opening on Sept 27 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver. Come swap seeds, share plants, and connect with your community. 🌸 Check out our new blog for all the details: https://vancouverbeeproject.org/blog/the-native-plant-amp-seed-library-returns-this-fall

#NativePlants #SeedLibrary #GrowNativeVancouver #PollinatorHabitat #VancouverWA #CommunityEvent #VancouverBeeProject #PlantasNativas #SeedSwap

The Heritage Seed Library (HSL) maintains the national collection of heritage and heirloom vegetables and aims to conserve vegetable varieties that are not widely available, sharing seed with our members to grow and enjoy.
https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/what-we-do/hsl

#SolarPunkSunday #Seeds #SeedLibrary #SeedLibraries #Gardening #Plants #Vegetables #Organic #Volunteer #Community #CommunityGardening

I'm processing all the photos/vids from yesterday now. Then going for a mental wellness walk in nearby forest. Napping after lunch. Visiting one client in afternoon. Getting back to personal communications when back from client appointment.

I have a couple of phone meetings today to discuss creating a #cultural #SeedLibrary (separate from the LifeCycles Victoria Seed Library project). The BIPOC specific seeds library would be only for food crop seeds from our far away homelands that aren't really grown or known about here. There's many of us POC who've been displaced from our homelands & far from our traditional food crops. There's a gap with seed libraries here - all the ones currently available are colonial & don't include many POC traditional food crop seeds. I want to work with local, #BIPOC #diaspora folks to create the first cultural seed library on #VancouverIsland. I met several fellow displaced POC war survivors yesterday & there's a lot of interest in this idea. I want to work on making it a reality. BIPOC #FoodSecurity initiative.

#Saanich #VictoriaBC #YYJ #Grassroots #CommunityBuilding #CulturalFarming #GrowingFood #SeedSharing #SeedSaving