-Seedy Saturday- February 28, 2009

the featured story for March 2009

This years Seedy Saturday was a big success, and we thank all of you that came; vendors, visitors, presenters, and all the wonderful volunteers.

Here is a quick first impression of the event by one of the volunteers, and some highlights too. We will have a full report and more pictures soon...

To view the Seedy Saturday poster please click here

Seedy Saturday, a Seedling's Eye View.

Written by Michelle Morra, Seedy Saturday volunteer

Blame it on the recession, eco-consciousness or just impatience for spring’s arrival, something has got people thinking about growing their own food. The crowd at Seedy Saturday 2009 was as invasive and warm as a field of dandelions on that frigid February day. They came to learn about gardening, stock up on seeds and other products, and support causes aimed at saving the bees, the seeds, the chickens, and ultimately the planet.

One woman who squeezed past me in Barn #3 mentioned she had been an environmental activist for 20 years. Looking a bit tired and ready to pass along the torch, she was relieved to see the crowd – a sign that green initiatives are finally catching on.

Are they ever. Organizers at the Toronto Community Garden Network never imagined such a turnout.

From my volunteer post at the coat check (the only unpopular exhibit on that sub-zero day) I watched a steady stream of tightly packed, highly animated garden pros and enthusiasts make their way to the exhibits. They had several agendas: Grow flowers to attract pollinators. Distribute their parents’ heirloom beans. Keep mosquitoes out of rain barrels. Start a greenhouse. Learn about First Nations Gardening. Raise seedlings.

And what a vibrant crowd. From garden waifs in aprons to dreadlocked, overalled farmers, this all-ages crowd was keen, colourful and ready to get its hands dirty. The youngest generation enjoyed the Kids Zone, where they got to make seed balls to throw in the spirit of guerilla gardening for their future.

Over 2,000 attendees filled the Artscape Wychwood Barns, a converted TTC streetcar repair shop. Seedy Saturday, which rose from being held in the gymnasium of a community centre to this much larger venue, could have filled a space twice the size and might need to expand again. May it spread like a weed.

Now the real fun starts. Don’t be surprised if Toronto looks, smells and tastes a little greener this spring.

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Michelle Morra is a Freelance Journalist and Corporate Writer www.writermichelle.com

As for highlights, Jillian Bishop, the "Urban Tomato" said the day was a great success. She was glad to be able to be behind a table when the crowds really started rushing in . . . .

As the organizer of the Seed Exchange Area, She was particularly impressed by the number of people who entered that room, and the sheer diversity of seeds available. "Every time I entered the room, the tables were covered in different seed packages! There was even people who brought lots of seeds who set-up their own table to trade and share information about them."

See also Tuesday, March 3, 2009 -'Toronto Seedy Exchange Area' in the Seed Saver Educator blogspot seedsavereducator.blogspot.com

See also Karen Sloan's story at www.wallflowerstudioseeds.blogspot.com

And the Seedy Saturday story in The Taste of T.O. www.tasteto.com

FoodShare: the slide show by Laura Berman foodshare.net

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Content last modified on March 24, 2009, at 11:24 AM EST