If you are a gardener or aspire to be one, your public library is a great place to learn, to plan and to get inspired!
Seedy Saturday
Kick off your gardening season by coming to Seedy Saturday at Kitchener Public Library's Central Library on Saturday, February 25 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This event is hosted by the Kitchener Horticultural Society and will feature a fair and programs. The Kitchener Horticultural Society website has event information, including a vendor list and programs.
Here for Seedy Saturday and want to figure out what else the library has to offer for gardeners?
85 Green
Our 85 Green program series, which looks at gardening and sustainability issues, also ties in to a number of features around the Central Library.
In the summer, our 85 Green garden is planted in the courtyard beside the Children’s area. This food-generating garden supplies local shelters and support organizations with vegetables and herbs: mainly tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
On Level 2, check out our tower garden, located in the computer area. This aeroponic garden uses water and a nutrient solution to grow plants in a soil-less substance. The current garden has been growing since September 2022 and has been somewhat experimental as we learn what grows well and what does not. We will continue to use the tower garden in programs about gardening and seed saving.
The outside area beside the tower garden hosts Central Library’s green roof and beehives. These have been winterized, and are undergoing their fourth winter at KPL. We work with a beekeeper to ensure they are properly cared for.
Reading material
Want to check out some reading material? The 635 call number (near the study seat wall) contains books about home gardening. The 712 call number (across from the elevators) features titles on landscape architecture, including home garden design.
Not able to make it into the library yet? Browse our offerings in gardening or landscape architecture from home, and place holds on your must-read titles. Leaf through pages of inspiring garden designs, tackle a difficult vegetable plot with some new ideas or make 2023 the year you learn about native plant gardening.
Upcoming programs
Keep your eyes peeled for 85 Green programming! Our spring line up will feature:
- Microgreens 101: Wednesday, March 8
- Seed Starting Basics: Wednesday, March 15
Coming soon, dates to be announced:
- Seed Pick-up at all KPL locations
- Earth Day Challenge
- Sustainable Fashion with Le Prix
- Nature Walk at Pioneer Park Library