www.cowichangreencommunity.org

It was an incredible day it at the Mercury Theatre on February 28th. The first Seedy Saturday in Duncan blew us away with family, friends, and strangers from young to old coming through the door by the dozens. At least a few hundred people attended the event – packing the venue full!

“We were thrilled with the attendance, considering we only took a couple weeks to organize this event,” said Judy Stafford, Executive Director of Cowichan Green Community (CGC) and one of the event organizers. “This shows that our community is really ready to make some changes in the way they see food production. The enthusiasm shown on Saturday was really inspiring and we’ve been now asked to plan another one in the fall to encourage more winter gardening – so stay tuned for that.”

Some of the feedback received has also been very encouraging.

“Thank you, it was fun and I got the chance to see people I hadn't seen in a long time, learn about different seeds and sell some of my own products. I appreciate you allowing me to be a part of the event!”

And “Just thought I would say how much we enjoyed being part of your first Seedy Saturday. A lot of work went into this and all involved should be congratulated.”

“It was a delight for me to have the opportunity to co-organize this,” said Makyee Mak, a Katimavik participant. “I was extremely pleased to see people coming in with smiles and questions and leaving with packages of seeds and pots of seedlings in their hands. The fact that local community members were discussing effective gardening, exchanging seeds, and making connections proved wonders in my mind. I hope in the next few years, Seedy Saturday continues to encourage gardens full of herbs and flowers as well as fields and yards growing vegetables and plants. The potential of what the Seed Exchange can do is extraordinary! We grow our own sustainability every step ahead.”

“We all have gardens that we sow,” explained Roger Foucher, one of the organizers, “whether in our backyards or individually within our beings … we each shall reap what we sow. To fullness and peace or to empty handedness, we hope that people will get out to the Cobble Hill or Vimy Hall for the local seed swaps and grow more food while we are realizing our connection to this Earth.”

Thank you to Vancouver Island Health Authority for supporting this event. If you’d like more information on any other CGC events or if you have any other questions or wonder how you can be involved with CGC, stop by the office at 277 Craig Street, call 250- 748-8506, write cgc [at] shawbiz [dot] ca, or visit www.cowichangreencommunity.org.