Santa Fe Seed Exchange.

Two farming friends exchanging stories at the SeedBroadcast hub

 The Santa Fe Seed Exchange is always a delight. There is some thing about this time of year, the change of the light, the return of the birds, the warmth in the air and the excitement to get our hands in the soil that brings people together to share their seeds and stories.

This annual event, held in the rustic barn at Frenchy's Field, is co-ordinated by Home Grown New Mexico http://homegrownnewmexico.org/ and the City of Santa Fe Parks Division. The mission of Home Grown is to create urban farm and food events that bring together businesses and New Mexicans committed to growing, making and preserving their own food with the intent to develop a healthier and more self-reliant lifestyle. This committed organization was the vision of Amy Hetager who SeedBroadcast had the pleasure to meet over three years ago.   This blog is dedicated to her memory and to her vision.

 Lots of participants arrived right as the event started with their seeds carefully bagged and labeled.     There was a great expectancy in the air. Its magical to see all of the many varieties of seeds in their different packages and to experience how they evoke conversation and exchange. Many people had been to the exchange before, know the process and are drawn back very year by the excitement of what new seeds they might discover. Many were joggers, just out walking or playing with their children in the park and discovered this event by chance.  There were farmers from Nambe, Medanales, La Medera, urban gardeners from Santa Fe and families just wanted to know more about growing their own food.

A wealth of beans.

The Master Gardeners http://sfmga.org/ were on hand to answer questions any of those burning questions. Susie Sonflieth who is part of this knowledgeable group shared her seed story.

If you have never been to a seed exchange before then you should.  Try to find one near you, there are many at this time of the year. If you do not have seeds to share just go to be part of the magic. Perhaps some seeds will attract you with their potential and lead you to new discoveries.

 "To have a seed is to have everything"

Emily Renfro with her seeds.