Seedy Sunday

Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 | 05:11 PM AT

Image courtesy Sillydog

If you're a gardener or someone interested in issues of food security or biodiversity, you totally don't want to miss this event:

SEEDY SUNDAY
Where: Montreal Botanical Gardens (4101 Sherbrooke East)
When: This Sunday (Feb 8) between 10 am and 4pm
How much? Free!
Call: Action Communiterre at (514) 484-0223

What?
Basically a whole bunch of Quebeckers get together (I'm talking anywhere from 3000 to 5000!) to swap seeds, organic gardening tips and recipes. There will also be farmers and gardeners selling their seeds (more interesting than a catalogue, no?) and free seminars for all to attend.

Why is this important?
* It's a social event in February. I mean, think about it!
* It's a way for gardeners and food activists and farmers to get together and talk
* It's a way for folks to save and pass on their favourite varieties of plants and food
* By empowering independent gardeners and growers, you're keep the power and money away from big business.
(If this point has you scratching your head, you really need to ready this article). Or read this heartbreaking story (and watch the CBC report on YouTube) Just so you know, Percy Shmeiser lost the case.
* It helps promote biodiversity at a time when too many private interests are trying to profit from genetically modified crops that are crowding out more natural species.
* It helps organic gardeners share information and resources
* It helps promote food security: i.e. the common (and often non-wealthy) man's ability to feed himself

Other interesting reading and resources:
Seeds of Diversity: A charitable organization dedicated to the conservation, documentation and use of public-domain non-hybrid plants of Canadian significance.
A photo essay on the Doomsday Seed Vault: quite literally our biggest backup plan!
How to save your own seeds: Kelly Krauter's recommended resource on doing this at home.
Action Communiterre: They're the people to call for more information on Seedy Sunday (or any advice you might need on growing your own food here in Montreal)

Also, you can watch the video here:
Watch

Have you been to Seedy Sundays (or Saturdays or any other days?) Do you have stories/ advice to share? I'd love to hear it. Leave me a comment or call (514) 597-5626

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