Interested in growing your own fruits and vegetables but not sure where to start? Borrow your way to a productive garden with our new Seed Library available at the Bairnsdale Library.

East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Mark Reeves, Bairnsdale Library staff, community member Grace McCaughey and volunteers launch of the Seed Library in December.

As part of a wide range of library programs, the new Seed Library is a free borrowing service for budding and experienced gardeners alike, where you can:

·        borrow up to three packets of seeds (appropriate for the season) at a time

·        plant the seeds in your garden and watch them grow

·        donate any saved seeds back to the Seed Library for the next person to borrow

Cr Reeves said it was a great initiative and example of our community working in partnership with Council to deliver what may seem like a small program, but one that can have enormous benefit.

“The Seed Library has many benefits including the role gardening can play in our well-being, encourages people to grow their own food (which also helps with living expenses), creates connections with others and it’s just another reason to visit the Bairnsdale Library,” Cr Reeves said.

“This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the support from local supplier Goodman Seeds, who has donated many of the seeds to get the library started; community member, library member and Seed Library expert Grace McCaughey; and staff at the Bairnsdale Library.”

Any library member can request up to three packets of seeds which included vegetables, herbs or flowers. The seeds available are suitable for planting in a backyard garden, on a small balcony, or even in a recycled planter on a windowsill.

For more information on the Seed Library, visit www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/ leisure/library-events