Seed bank open

Keen gardeners in the district now have the opportunity to grow new greens with the introduction of a seed bank at the Stratford District Library.

The seed bank was officially launched on Friday morning by Jayne Bright, founding member of the Seed Savers Taranaki group.

Jayne says the seed bank offers a range of flower, vegetable and herb seeds which are available for swap or donation, and is one of four seed banks in the region.

"It has been great opening seed banks throughout the region, as there are varied climates around the mountain allowing for different plants to flourish."

Jayne says the purpose of the seed bank is to safe-proof food security in Taranaki, and allow keen gardeners to enjoy traditional food growing techniques.

"It is wonderful that the Stratford Library have let us use their facility to set up a seed bank. The two resources go hand-in-hand," says Jayne.

To get a packet of seeds from the seed bank, visitors have the opportunity to swap seeds with something from their own garden, or make a gold coin donation.

A range of gardening books are on display along side the bank to help gardeners learn about the seeds they are taking.

The seed bank will be available during the Stratford District Library opening hours, Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm.