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Suzanne Sauls
Mar 193 min read

Sowing Success: Seed Library of Laramie County Blossoms

Updated: Apr 8

Spring is on the horizon, and the Seed Library of Laramie County invites you to join the Gardening Adventure!  Established in 2017, this collaborative project between the Laramie County Library System and the Laramie County Master Gardeners (LCMG) aims to educate and encourage residents with the joy of growing their own plants.  Whether you’re a budding gardener, a newcomer to our community, or an experienced gardener looking to try new varieties, our seed library has just the seeds you need to thrive.


Woman sitting at a table packaging seeds
Marie M., seed library volunteer, packages one of 120 plant varieties available at the 2024 Seed Library Kick-Off Event; photo credit: Suzanne S.

The seed library kick-off event is Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Cottonwood and Willow Rooms on the first floor of the Laramie County Library. This event is open to the public and you do not need a library card to select and receive up to 12 free seed packets per person. You must be a Laramie County Resident to participate. An online order form and seed catalog will be available starting March 23, 2024. Seeds will continue to be available for checkout on the 3rd Floor at the “Ask Here” Desk from March 24th through September 2024.


The Roots of Our Seed Library

Four seed library volunteers posing next to the seed library packaging drawers
Seed Library Co-Chairs, Elizabeth Thorson and Michelle Bohanan, with volunteers packaging seeds for the 2024 Kick-Off Event; photo credit: Suzanne S.

Maggie McKenzie, seed library co-chair, fondly recalls its humble beginnings. She and several other Master Gardeners were inspired by a LCMG Lecture Series presentation from Penn and Cord Parmenter—seasoned gardeners who conquered the challenges of growing food at 8,000-foot elevations and shared regionally-adapted seeds at their local Seed Lending Library. The LCMG approached the Laramie County Library about the idea to start a seed library for our community, and after diligent research and visits to neighboring seed libraries, the Seed Library of Laramie County sprouted in 2017.


Elizabeth Thorson, Manager of Adult Services at the Laramie County Library, recalls the seed library’s modest start—a collection of 27 seed varieties with just enough seed packets to fill 20 shoeboxes. Fast forward to 2024, and they’re thrilled to offer over 120 varieties and a whopping 11,000 seed packets featuring vegetable, herbs, and flowers! Providing varieties known to reliably perform well for local gardeners is an important aspect of the program. As Michelle Bohanan, seed library co-chair, eloquently put it, “We want people to succeed, try again, and continue to build their gardening confidence.”


Seeds from Our Community

Seven Seed Library Volunteers sitting at a conference table packaging seeds
Laramie County Library & Master Gardener Volunteers packaging seeds for the 2024 year; photo credit: Suzanne S.

At the core of the program are community volunteers, who drive everything from seed selection to packaging. Thorson commented, “We wouldn’t be able to do all of this without our volunteers…they make the program run.” Volunteers prioritize seed varieties that flourish within our brief growing season. While some seeds are purchased through regional companies, the heart of the collection lies in the generous donations from Laramie County Master Gardeners’ own gardens. Additionally, the seed library expanded their offerings to include seeds harvested from the Laramie County Library’s Urban Wildlife Habitat, including native plant varieties.


The seed library isn’t just about seeds; it’s about nurturing a sense of possibility. Thanks to support and funding from the Laramie County Library System and the Laramie County Master Gardeners, the seed library also offers educational events to cultivate gardening knowledge. These events included seed starting workshops, winter sowing tips, and landscaping insights. The Seed Library of Laramie County Website provides additional online resources and recommended planting schedule. Join us as we sow the seeds of community, growth, and wonder.


Author: Suzanne Sauls, Laramie County Master Gardener


 

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