You won’t want to miss this one! The Second Annual Bozeman Seed Exchange will be held at the Bozeman Public Library on Saturday, May 14th beginning at 12pm.
Sponsored by Black Robin Farm and Orchard, Youth Imperative, the Library and Rocky Mountain Garden Magazine, this event will benefit new and experienced gardeners alike. Brock Albin of Black Robin expects triple the interest this year. Participants are being urged to bring seeds, plants or scions (primarily fruit tree cuttings) to share. Only organic and GMO free products will be allowed. Bring containers to take home seeds and plants from the bounty. Although exchanging seeds, plants, and tree or shrub cuttings will be the main event, experienced gardeners from the area will be on hand to share their knowledge and expertise. Cheryl Moore Gough of Montana State University, author and gardener, is scheduled to speak. She’ll also be autographing her books. Activities for all ages are planned. A beekeeper may be on hand to answer questions about this up and coming hobby/industry. Hands on for children may include an opportunity to plant seeds in starting flats. These they may take home, care for, and transplant to garden space when the weather warms. Weather and space permitting, baby goats, lambs, and rabbits will be on display outdoors. Caretakers will be available to answer questions about the care and raising of these animals. Brock feels that any progressive community like Bozeman, needs to promote this type of event.
“Encouraging organic gardening and lifestyle will strengthen us all. Promoting children’s gardening activities and participation is essential. The excitement generated by people who love gardening, is contagious. Sharing seeds of our labor helps others in their gardening efforts.” Mr. Albin lives on four acres in south Bozeman, where his demonstration gardens, orchards and animal production show what can be done here in our environment. His goals include (someday) providing 90% of his and farm volunteer’s food, generating all his heat and electricity from the sun, being generally sustainable, and teaching others how they can too. Black Robin Farm and Orchard’s future goals include establishing a seed library at the Public Library, promoting youth gardening and farming activities, and making the Seed Exchange an annual event. Black Robin is asking for help with the Seed Exchange from anyone who could help find donations of seed–either locally or from organic seed companies–and to help wrangle lambs, rabbits, or goats. Anyone willing to make a presentation or demonstrate an innovative gardening idea is invited to do so.
Suggestions would be composing, vegetable gardening, drip-tape irrigation, seed saving, starting plants from seed, or transplanting. Please contact Brock at brockalbin@gmail.com with your interests and ideas. •
