At the Library 3/26/26

 Sharing and Growing Freely @ Your WPL

By LeAnn Kunz

Spring means gardening, and there’s nothing more rewarding than dreaming, planning, and planting as the soil begins to warm. At WPL, we’re here to help you dig in!. Our shelves are full of resources—from planning your plot to starting seeds—that can guide you toward a thriving garden.

Because sharing is at the heart of the public library, we don’t just offer books. We also share seeds to support the community of gardeners (and soon‑to‑be gardeners!) across Washington County.

Our Seed Exchange Library is always accepting donations to share with the community. Each year, we encourage gardeners to plant seeds, grow heathy plants, and then harvest seeds for the following season. As you enjoy your garden, we hope you’ll consider donating some of your harvested seeds to help others grow, too.

Sharing seeds is a wonderful way to support gardening—whether someone is a seasoned grower or just getting started. And harvesting seed is easier than many people think. For example, I plant zinnias every year from seeds I collect myself. By autumn, most of the flower heads dry naturally on the stems. I simply snip them off. I also cut blossoms that haven’t dried yet and let them dehydrate in the sun. All of these go into a dry container that I store in a cool cupboard. In spring (or sometimes earlier), I pull the dried blossoms apart to reveal seeds ready for planting. As long as you harvest mature seeds, dry them well, and store them properly, you can become a regular seed saver. You might even find the process addictive.

With your generosity, our WPL Seed Exchange Library can continue to share seeds throughout Washington County. We welcome store‑bought or home‑harvested seeds, in packets or in bulk, ornamentals or edibles. And while you’re here, you might discover a seed treasure for your own dream garden. Let’s share and grow freely together.