Envision an afternoon sitting at a table, sipping tea and sorting seeds, while fighting for food sovereignty in Greater Victoria.
Sounds like a fun afternoon for Alex McArdle, who is admittedly looking for folks to do just that.
The executive director for the Victoria non-profit LifeCycles Project is spearheading a refresh on its seed library with a goal to create open access where people can pick up all the resources they need from the library – including seeds.
Saving, sharing and sowing seeds has been a LifeCycles goal since the 1990s with a variety of projects.
“There’s a huge array of benefits to preserving heritage and locally adapted seeds,” McArdle explained.
That includes developing plant lines conditioned to grow and thrive in local soil and climate while facing local pests. It creates resiliency and preserves biodiversity, both adding to survivability in inevitable environmental variabilities.
Alongside that protection, it provides seeds for people to grow in their backyards, or decks, or whatever space they have, McArdle said, increasing food sovereignty and promoting fresh, nutritious meals and snacks.
The LIfeCycles project has seen a few iterations, most recently it included in-person sessions on weekends, with volunteers at a table greeting, sharing information and doling out seeds.
That did provide barriers for some with limited timing and accessibility. Some people can’t get there on weekends, and functions were limited to when volunteers were available. The new plan is a physical catalogue and collection at the Central Branch of the Greater Victoria Regional Public Library – open access for folks to take seeds any time the library is open. Plus, it will feature the required resources associated with any library – best practices for using the seeds, ideas and options and growing tips, along with information on LifeCycles workshops.
The plan is to open that physical asset ahead of spring 2026, but a lot of prep work is needed ahead of time. It means sifting through the mass collection of seeds LifeCycles has, gathering more from local gardeners and businesses, and creating the catalogue of tiny envelopes.
“I didn’t give anybody the last of the last seeds,” she said with a laugh.
With library use set to sprout next spring, this year, experienced seed-savers are working with some of the seeds at hand to grow and harvest for future use. Growers are sowing lettuce and beans, but experienced seed-savers are always an asset, and could be of service with plants at higher risk of cross-pollination, such as squash and cucumber. This helps us replenish the stock and ensure rare or locally adapted seeds continue to thrive and circulate in the community.
McArdle is also happy to take seed donations, something local businesses have been keen on. Satinflower Nursery, which specializes in native species, for example, has donated several packets.
Right now, McArdle is sorting the stock, which requires people power. The Seed Library has already hosted two successful sorting sessions – complete with tea and camaraderie.
“It offers volunteer opportunities that aren’t very physical,” she said, noting that much of their work the rest of the year is a bit more demanding. “This is a really beautiful way to have a community connection.”
Anyone interested in seed saving or sorting can email info@lifecyclesproject.ca, call 250-383-5800 or visit lifecyclesproject.ca to learn more.
