Seeds plant far more than food or flowers or herbs.
In Ben Cohen’s perspective, they can grow a sense of togetherness.
That’s just one reason why the Michigan gardener and author is excited to see the 2020 opening of the Bartholomew County Public Library’s Cleo’s Seed Share on Thursday.
Cohen will highlight the importance of community seed sharing programs when he speaks at the library at 5 p.m. that day. In a free presentation, he will discuss why planting, saving, and sharing seeds is essential to the cultivation of sustainable neighborhoods and healthy communities.
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“There are a lot of layers to that answer,” Cohen said, speaking by phone from his Small House Farm in Sandford, Michigan. “First, seed sharing programs foster a sense of community. When people get together for a like-minded activity such as saving and sharing seeds and growing gardens, the unity which that activity creates is one of the most powerful aspects of any seed program.
“People take time to share their knowledge with one another. So it also becomes an opportunity for people to learn from one another.”
That’s part of what library leaders envision for its Cleo’s Seed Share, the name which refers to former longtime librarian Cleo Rogers, the building’s namesake. The organic, locally sourced seed catalog — one that enjoyed a “soft,” low-key opening in October, mostly for accepting seed donations — currently includes about 65 varieties of food, herbs and ornamentals, including flowers and decorative grasses, according to Becca McNair, a youth programming specialist at the library.
“We know that overall number will increase (before Thursday),” McNair said. “We’re looking right now to see if there are any gaps in what we’re offering, and trying to cover all bases, especially concerning what foods people are especially interested in.”
In October, the opening included members of the South Central Indiana Master Gardeners Association and representatives from the Friends of Pollinator Parks group. Some people were new to the idea of getting seeds, especially those native to this area.
Seed share event organizers knew precisely where to look when selecting a kickoff speaker: Michigan. Figures show that 72 of the nation’s more than 600 seed libraries are based in that state, according to Cohen. He said the past decade has been a period of steady growth for such programs.
“And in especially the past five years, it has just exploded,” he said.
Some news outlets have credited millennials, concerned about their food origins, with much of that recent growth.
“We know this is definitely still a growing movement,” McNair said.
She mentioned that she is uncertain of how many people will take advantage of the free, year-round service — one offered even to those without a library card — this first full year.
“We want any barriers for people to be as non-existent as possible,” McNair said. “The seeds are not attached to any account.”
The library does aim to keep a log of the seed packets taken. Cohen’s two books, “From Our Seeds & Their Keepers: A Collection of Stories,” and “Saving Our Seeds — The Practice & Philosophy,” will be available. The latter volume includes simple how-to steps for everything “from adzuki beans to wheat and everything in between,” according to his promotional material.
Besides the rudimentary idea of the joy of planting, nurturing, and growing living things, Cohen mentioned that merely the concept of being of being outdoors in the fresh air this time of year can be its own reward.
“It is,” he said, “good for the soul.”
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What: 2020 opening of the free Cleo’s Seed Share program at the Bartholomew County Public Library.
Who: Featuring Michigan gardener, author, herbalist and speaker Ben Cohen presenting information on highlighting the importance of community seed sharing programs, and why seed sharing is essential to healthy communities.
When: 5 p.m. Thursday.
Where: At the library at 536 Fifth St. in downtown Columbus.
Information: 812-379-1266 or mybcpl.org.
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