New Pierrefonds Seed Library quickly runs out of free seeds

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A green initiative to provide free garden seeds to residents of Pierrefonds-Roxboro is on hold after the borough’s new seed library quickly ran out of seeds.

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the seed librarywhich opened last Friday as part of Earth Day activities, was so popular it drew lineups of spring gardening enthusiasts to the Pierrefonds Library.

By Monday, however, citizens reported being turned away because the library had already run out of seeds.

Borough officials apparently underestimated public interest in the seed library, which provides residents with free seeds to grow at home.

“We knew there would be a lot of interest in the seed library, but perhaps we underestimated it,” a borough official said. “The library has ordered more seeds and expects to receive them very soon. We cannot confirm a date at this time, but rest assured that we will inform the public as soon as the seed library is replenished.”

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Once the seed library is restored, Pierrefonds Library subscribers can obtain flower, herb and vegetable seeds for their residential gardens or balcony planters. The seed library will offer open-pollinated (non-hybrid) organic seeds adapted to the Montreal area.

The borough said in a release that subscribers will be “entitled to three envelopes of seeds per week, per family, up to a maximum of nine envelopes per season, so that as many residents as possible can benefit from this service.”

The Pierrefonds Seed Library, which is scheduled to operate until Sept. 30, will also offer advice on planting and harvesting seeds.

Pierrefonds-Roxboro Mayor Jim Beis said the seed library is an opportunity for residents to develop a green thumb and learn more about urban agriculture.

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“The seed library project is perfectly in line with the Montréal 2030 strategic plan, which focuses on citizen participation in the ecological transition,” he said. “This type of initiative, set up by our municipal services, promotes the greening of our neighborhoods and allows everyone to educate themselves, while taking concrete action to improve the quality of life in our community.”

Residents who do not have access to gardening tools may borrow equipment from the library, including pruning shears, spading forks and hoes. Gardening tools for children are also available to borrow.

The garden library project is offered through a collaboration between the Pierrefonds Library and VertCitewhich is responsible for Éco-quartier environmental programs in Pierrefonds-Roxboro.

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