If a swallow does not the springtime make, the Seed Festival organized by the Sawyerville Community Garden has become an event that announces the arrival of warmer days. The fifth edition is planned for Saturday, February 17, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Ramana Hotel.
Chantal Bolduc, president of the Sawyerville Community Garden, said, speaking in French, «more and more, the Seed Festival has a role to play. It’s a project that has a lot to say about eco-responsible gardens. This is a period of time to speak about durable development.»
At the Festival, it will be possible to obtain a variety of seeds from several different producers: Semences nourricières (Bishopton), Mycoflor (Coaticook), Terre promise (Ile Bizard) and Les Jardins de la Gaillarde (Sherbrooke).
«We want to furnish good seeds, organic and not genetically modified. Seeds that will be able to attain their full potential, produce good vegetables, and plants that will be able to reproduce year after year. Good plants begin with good seeds. And seeds from here are adapted to local conditions, too,» said Bolduc.
Seven Presentations
Besides buying seeds, the day will be punctuated by a half-dozen presentations. The first is about organic fertilizers, given by Renaud-Pierre Boucher of the Centre de formation professionnelle de Coaticook (CRIFA).
Next, herbal therapist Chantal Parent will speak about the intelligent pharmacy. «It’s the doorway to greater autonomy,» Parent said. «It means having essential plants and herbs within reach that are indispensable for the entire family… and which offer greater confidence in our capacity to care for ourselves naturally.»
The talk by Yvan Perreault will deal with forested farms and the permaculture. In particular, he will discuss vegetables, fruits, nuts and wild mushrooms that can be cultivated in natural spaces neglected by industrial agriculture. He will let participants taste samples of different nuts as well as a mushroom soup.
At noon, Daniel Labonté of the Jardins des Bocages in Sawyerville, will speak about the history, properties and varieties of garlic. Samuel Tanguay and Jason Lessard, of the Maraichers de l’or vert, will share information about bio-diversified and regenerative farms. Yannick Côté, aka the Jardinier déchainé or the Unleashed Farmer, will tell about his personal journey and his change of career before becoming the garden producer he is known as today.
Finally, Lyne Bellemare, of La Terre promise, is to close the day with her presentation about rare and forgotten legumes in Quebec. «Lentils, beans, chick peas, and peas are excellent for the health, but not largely present in our contemporary diets.» Bellemare will trace the evolution of our diet, starting with the beginnings of the colonization and the heritage of the First Nations.
The Sidelines
During the Seed Festival, the public is invited to make contact with the local producers who will be present, and reserve their produce for the upcoming season. Certain of these gardeners give an opportunity to join a system offering regular baskets of vegetables.
The Éco-Créations Shuffle will have a kiosk presenting their array of ecological products promoting a «zero waste» lifestyle with, for example, reusable airtight bags, teabags and even cleansing pads.
Jewellery with an agricultural flavour will also be available at Karine Waltz’s kiosk. Waltz uses ancestral and artisanal seeds to create unique pendants and pieces.
Aspiring farmers are also invited to bring seeds they have harvested and share them with others. At lunchtime, a variety of dishes cooked up by the Festival’s team of volunteers will be offered: soup, moussaka, tabbouleh, chili, etc. The entrance fee for the event is $5 per person.