St. Marys Public Library offers free seed program to encourage community gardening

The St. Marys Public Library’s seed program not only helps gardeners get started free of charge each spring, but it also helps preserve heritage varieties of flowers, fruits and vegetables specific to St. Marys for future generations.

By Alex Hunt

St. Marys residents can grow their gardens for free this spring thanks to the St. Marys Public Library’s seed program, which offers packets of flower, vegetable and fruit seeds to anyone in the community.

The St. Marys library collects a variety of seeds each fall, packages them and distributes them to the community in the spring. Residents can plant flowers, vegetables, or fruits wherever they choose.

“Some years, community members also contribute baby plants they have propagated, which are added to the program,” said St. Marys Public Library CEO Sarah Andrews. “The library’s seed initiative operates like a lending library for plants and has been running for three to four years.

“I’ve noticed that once people use the seed library, they’re often eager to give back in the fall, donating seeds or plants of their own. It really helps the program sustain itself. I also think the process of planting and handling seeds can be a peaceful, hands-on activity. In today’s go-go-go world, it’s nice to slow down and do something with your hands. Being outside doing something tangible gives people a break from screens and even readers need a break from reading sometimes. It’s fun, it’s relaxing and it’s another healthy activity we like to encourage here at the library.”

Andrews said library staff keep a close eye on heritage seeds, encouraging community members to drop them off for redistribution.

Some of these seeds, especially the heritage flower varieties, could disappear if the community doesn’t continue to collect them. The program draws participants of all ages, from children to senior gardeners, who contribute their own, ensuring these seeds continue to grow throughout St. Marys.

“We want the library to be a safe space in the community, a place where people can step outside their homes and workplaces and feel connected,” said Andrews. “We work hard to make sure visitors feel welcome, that there are programs and activities for them, and that our collection offers things they want to borrow and use.”

Andrews added the library continues to serve residents who can’t afford digital downloads or lack home internet and WiFi. It provides free access to these resources, ensuring everyone in the community can use them.

“National Library Week runs from Oct. 20-25, and this year, I’m encouraging everyone to connect with and support their local library in whatever way they can,” said Andrews. “That might mean simply keeping your library card renewed so we can count you as an active member, signing out a few items, or even telling friends and family to visit and get involved. Every bit of engagement helps keep the library strong.”

Andrews says the library promotes a healthy and active lifestyle through a range of community programs and resources. Alongside traditional materials, patrons can now borrow items like bocce ball sets, tennis rackets and pickleball gear, encouraging residents to get outside and stay active.

The addition of gardening initiatives further supports this goal, offering opportunities for people to connect with nature, spend time outdoors and embrace a balanced lifestyle.