Successful sixth Seedy Saturday held in Horsham

There was early interest in the seeds available, perhaps encouraged by a bit of sunshine. Some people had collected seed from their gardens and allotments so that they could be swapped for others, and some were free as they were past their sell by date but still viable.

Few went away empty handed as for a donation of 50p they could pick up any of the seeds they wanted. New allotment holders came to see what they could find, pick up some cheap and interesting seed and have a chat about growing.

This year the stalls around the seed tables were mainly focussed on the local environment. The Mid-Sussex Beekeeping Society had produced some wonderful honey, both clear and creamed, which people were able to taste and buy jars.

A very enthusiastic Wetlands and Wildlife Trust had information and membership packs, and two members from Chesworth Farm Friends were happy to talk about the farm trails and show pictures.

Warnham Nature Reserve had some lovely photographs about the reserve and small things to purchase.

The horticultural societies were well represented including Southwater with its wonderful collection of seeds and small jars of honey, and Horsham Horticultural Society which paired up with Horsham in Bloom on their interesting stand.

Horsham Organic Gardeners was promoting organic methods of gardening and next to them the Transition Horsham Community Allotment had information about their Open Day on the 18th April and a schedule of working parties. Carrie Cort attended again encouraging people to recycle more and offering recycled articles to buy.

The Green Party was also represented with information on anti-fracking and people from the party to talk to.

Heather Glennie was there with her beautiful botanic painted cards which did sell well. The garden book and magazine swap table was not as popular as we had hoped but the raffle went extremely well, as did the soup, tea and cake.

It was a good friendly event, but we could have done with more seeds to swap, so there may be scope for a Transition Horsham to set up a workshop in the autumn to encourage Horsham gardeners to save their seed, watch this space!

Report and picture contributed by Maggie Weir-Wilson, Transition Horsham Steering Group .