Serena Kirby, Denmark Bulletin

The Denmark seed library has given out 1300 seed packets since it began in November 2020.

Instigated and run by the Denmark Library, there is a biannual Seed Library gathering held at the start of autumn and spring where library members can meet and access free seeds.

The seed library has up to 54 different plant varieties collected from various sources.

Library organiser Nicola Shaw said that though TAFE horticulture students had collected many seeds, more than 100 people had also donated them.

“We’re lucky to have a great group of volunteers who sort, package and label them,” Nicola said.

Illustrator, activist and permaculture teacher Brenna Quinlan was guest speaker at the most recent gathering and gave a talk on permaculture and helpful tips for home gardeners.

Brenna said permaculture was a holistic approach to a wide range of social, ethical and environmental aspects which was not just a method of growing food but a way of life.

There are three guiding ethics to permaculture: people care, earth care and fair share.

“Gardening is definitely the gateway drug into permaculture,” Brenna said.

In a game aimed at helping attendees be more environmentally friendly through using permaculture principles, Brenna explored the theme with illustrated cards.

A relative newcomer to WA, Brenna has illustrated numerous books promoting permaculture principles: Milkwood Permaculture, Our Street and Life in a Garden, to name a few.

She’s collaborated with the likes of Stephanie Alexander and former Australian Greens leader, Bob Brown.

The ABC TV’s Gardening Australia has profiled her and her drawings are also featured in Costa Georgiadis’ new book, Costa’s World.

“Initiatives like the Seed Library help keep common knowledge in the hands of the common gardener and the sharing of information is a good example of people care,” Brenna said.

Denmark TAFE horticulture lecturer Karlee Bertola said the best tip for harvesting your own seeds was to ensure they were totally dry.

“If they aren’t dry before you store them you may have limited growing success,” Karlee said.

“Cool, dark and dry is the key for storage and for best results store them in jars in the fridge or in paper bags in your shed or pantry.”

This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 21 April 2022.