GWCSL, started in 2018, is a volunteer-run community project. Our seed library strives to provide community members with access to free garden seeds and promote seed saving. A few years ago, we began organizing East Vancouver Seedy Saturday as a way for community members to further connect and share seeds, with our third event held in March 2025.
At East Vancouver Seedy Saturday 2025, we distributed over 2,200 packets of seeds and saw over 150 visitors. We saw community members visit from across the city, and event exhibitors and vendors were also able to take and exchange seeds with others. After the event, some surplus seed (much of it from our seed swap) was redistributed to other local small seed libraries to bolster their capacity.
Through EVSS, we hope to foster greater community connection through gardening and seed sharing. This includes community members who volunteer their time and expertise to make the event possible, gardeners and seed savers of all skill levels, and non-profit and community groups in the gardening and food / seed security space.
Gardening can be a great way for people of all ages to connect with their food. What we've also seen through East Vancouver Seedy Saturday is that gardening and seed sharing can also foster community connection. Gardeners have a chance to meet new people, share experiences, and bond over common interests. Attendees will sometimes stay for hours or even the entire event talking to other gardeners and seed savers, vendors and non-profit / community exhibitors, and our volunteers.
Check out our website to learn more about us.
