Lake Mac Seed Library will officially sprout in Morisset on Thursday.
The volunteer-led initiative allows community members to “borrow” seeds, much like a book library, grow them at home and deposit them back into the library at the end of the growing season.
The enterprise is the brainchild of Lake Macquarie resident Anna Noon after witnessing the panic buying of vegetable and herb seeds during the early days of the pandemic.
“During the early stages of COVID-19 we all saw the fragility of our supply chains,” Ms Noon said.
“The seed library, especially for beginners, is a really great way to build community resilience and help people to start their food growing journey.
“We know gardening helps people get through challenging times and it has a range of physical and mental health benefits.
“The seed library is a way for us to support the community to participate in gardening.”
Returning seeds once they had blossomed into plants also promotes the food cycle, Ms Noon explains.
“This circular system has lots of positive benefits – its accessible to all, appeals across all age ranges and promotes environmental practices,” she said.
Over 30 varieties of vegetable, herb and flower seeds have been added to the library and will be available to the community free of charge.
Members can donate home grown seeds or volunteer to help process, clean and package the seeds.
“We are a team of like-minded community members passionate about social and climate justice.” Ms Noon said.
The Lake Mac Seed Library will officially open at Southlake Community Services’ Biggest Morning Tea event, Thursday 27th of May from 10:30am at 143 Dora St Morisset.
For more information call Chris on 0428 854 733.
Seed funding for this project was provided by the Lake Macquarie chapter of the Awesome Foundation.
