A popular flower-planting initiative is back in Chatham-Kent just in time for the fall.
The Chatham-Kent Public Library (CKPL) will once again host its Seed Library, this time with fall native plants.
CKPL Grows Seed Library: Fall Native Plants kicks off on September 6.
The CKPL Grows Seed Library first started in the spring of 2016 at the Chatham branch with residents invited to check out packets of native plant seeds.
CKPL Public Services Manager Cassey Beauvais said it was initially meant as a pilot project to see if there'd be any interest. The program has been around ever since and continues to grow, with thousands of seed packets checked out every year.
"For the last two years, with this being the second year, we have launched a fall seed library collection, which contains native plants," she explained. "There's a real interest in our area in planting native plants, in providing for pollinators and bees and butterflies. Especially now with people hearing that the monarch butterflies are endangered."
The fall library contains native plant seeds for many popular local plants including black-eyed Susan, butterfly weed, swamp and common milkweed, purple coneflower, and New England asters.
According to Beauvais, library officials consulted with local experts to determine what seeds would be best for local pollinators.
Beauvais said they're excited to host the seed library again. Additionally, this year the library will have pictures of what the species of flowers look like so people can make more informed choices.
"Come check it out, you might discover your next favourite flower," she exclaimed.
Instructions for each seed variety will be provided by CKPL. Beauvais said the process of getting the seed packets is very easy.
"Honestly, you just come to the library," she said. "Any of our 11 branches, they all have seeds available. You just need to have your library card and you can check out up to 10 packages of seeds. "
CKPL is also asking any local gardeners who are collecting their seeds at this time of year to consider donating any extra to the the CKPL Grows Seed Libraries program to be used again next year.
"Any seeds that are donated are distributed back out into the community," Beauvais explained. "So, the seed library can keep growing year after year."