The popularity of Saanich’s Seedy Saturday event has outgrown its former home at Haliburton Farm.
After a three-year run at Haliburton Farm, Saanich Seedy Saturday heads to the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific this Saturday, with the event running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the gardens on 505 Quayle Rd.
Organizer Elmarie Roberts said there will be a wealth of flower and vegetable seeds to buy and trade at the event, with 20 local vendors offering pesticide-free seeds, plant starts and food items.
“Lately we’ve been signing a pledge to only have the purest seeds available, which means not genetically modified, and from local vendors here in B.C.,” said Roberts. “With seeds, we’ve noticed it adapts to the local ecosystem and it grows better if it’s from right here instead of coming from somewhere else. It carries that inherent genetic formula of the local ecosystem within it.”
Don Genova, whose book Food Artisans of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands is a well-thumbed fixture on local bookshelves, will be speaking at the event at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m.
“His topic will be unsung heroes: favourite under-appreciated food plants. He’s a very engaging speaker and we look forward to having him,” said Roberts.
She said a table has also been reserved for the Victoria Master Gardeners.
“They will be able to provide expert advice on any kind question you can imagine,” said Roberts. “Each vendor also has extensive knowledge on the seeds that they sell.”
Admission for the event is $5, well below the $11 usually charged at the gate for the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific.
“We have been able to offer a $5 admission and that includes a walk in the garden,” said Roberts.