Got Seeds?

September 16, 2013

Grieving the lost summer, despite the snappy suede coat with a faux fur collar I slip on my shoulders, to head outdoors in the sun.  I can’t help but sense the leaves dying, falling to the ground in relief. Packing the shorts and sleeveless shirts in a box, hiding them away in the closet for storage, pulling out wooly sweaters and long pants feels much like a cry for help. I tolerate the cooling floors, realizing I must shut the storm windows to prevent the chill from entering my vast space. A bent shovel leans against the wall of the oily garage, taunting me with its inefficiency. The snow is not far, threatening to make its way to my driveway, lining the tire treads with fluff that turns into solid ice. Altogether possible it could come as early as Halloween. The lap of the moving ocean calls out to me, tropical winds and palm trees curl the edge of my thoughts.  

We are starting a Seed Library on the West Side. I hesitate to commit to being the Point Person, sharing the table at Committee meetings and taking copious notes. The aim is to create a community willing to grow food in pots, hanging from the tops of straw bales or dug into patches of earth around the neighborhood. It is an exciting and invigorating project to be a part of yet I am not certain of the reluctance to join up. We must find a way to encourage people of all ages and colors, cultures and backgrounds to be incorporated into the program, to emphasize our tolerance and inclusivity. Since the West Side is eclectic, it only makes good sense. Besides the fact that we are near Dakota, the First Nation population has to be encouraged to be members as well. It is important that the children are included, to learn about food and where it comes from, how to care for ourselves and flourish. A big undertaking that I believe we are capable of, in this diverse area.

The Seed Library will be housed at our little local library. Details of storing the precious seeds and managing the donations and organizing how the envelopes are doled-out. Of course, classes on planting and creating a new stock for the following year are also a huge part of the endeavor. We need not reinvent the wheel, there are other like programs across the country and the group is mimicking the education piece from one in Madison, Wisconsin. Serendipitously my home town.