200+ people braved the rain to trade, buy, and celebrate seed security on March 11, 2025 at the first Seedy Saturday Richmond since 2019! The Terra Nova Red Barn and Mary’s Barn (generously provided by The Sharing Farm) were packed with 11 workshops, 6 community tables, 2 vendors, and visits from 3 elected officials.
People often turn to gardening in times of uncertainty and crisis. Grocery prices are rising, and seed prices are too. Most seeds on the market, like the groceries they produce, are bought and sold by international companies across borders — making them vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, climate disasters, and tariffs. The good news is that there is an ancient, time-tested solution: seed-saving.
Growers can save seeds from their gardens to plant again next season to build a lineage of a crop that fits their climate, environment, and their preferences. When many growers participate together, we plant the seeds of a more biodiverse, resilient food system.
The community that mobilized around seed security last Saturday was an energizing look at how we can weather challenging times together.
Spreading Seeds
Urban Bounty gave away over 400 seed packets through our seed donation and seed library programs.
Seed librarians grow out seeds this season, save seeds from the best crops, and bring them back for others to try next year. Urban Bounty provides year-round workshops and personalized support to equip everyone with the know-how to save seeds effectively!
Selling Seeds
Seedy Saturday Vendors BC Eco Seed Co-op and Seeds of the Revolution sold high-quality, locally-adapted seeds, all saved by local BC growers.
Seeds saved in BC can be selected for attributes that do well under local climate conditions, creating a stronger seed stock.
Meeting Representatives
Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham and Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Kelly Greene visited. It was an honour to host our elected officials and demonstrate out priorities for food security and sustainability.
Seeding Learning Through Workshops
Musqueam First Nation Land-Based Healing Coordinator Kymberlee Stogan grounded us in the long Indigenous legacy of stewardship at Terra Nova. The land now occupied by the Sharing Farm and the Terra Nova Community Garden is the historical site of a Musqueam fishing camp called Spul’u’kwuks, where Indigenous people gathered salmon, sturgeon, crabapples, nd more.
While settler-colonialism disrupted First Nations’ connection to their land, Kymberlee is working to restore Musqueam foodways while building new ones in line with principles of sustainability and reciprocity.
“We used to come here to fish, now we come here with our kids and work the land and access local food. The relationship with the land has changed, but it’s still there,” – Kimberly Stogan, Musqueam First Nation Land-based Healing Coordinator
Master Gardener Michelle Li of Mint-Green Apron delivered a dynamite presentation on edible flowers and herbs, equipping attendees to grow delicious, beautiful, and pollinator-friendly gardens.
Kareno Hawbolt, a dedicated seed-saver and grower, dropped a bushel of knowledge about growing tomatoes from seed. This is only the first in a series: stay tuned for three more tomato workshops coming this summer.
Rachel Ryall from River and Sea Flowers gave a popular talk about growing flowers for cutting into bouquets.
Laura Gillanders, master gardener and city councillor, gave a fascinating talk on her work with FarmWatch to preserve Richmond’s Agricultural Land reserve against real estate speculation. Read about her work in the Richmond News.
Bruno Vernier took us on a rainy tour of the Miyawaki Mini Forest – a dense ecosystem designed to pack native biodiversity into a small public park space.
Master Gardener Lynda Pasacreta of the Richmond Garden Club delivered tips about efficient gardening in small containers.
David Caetzel from FarmFolkCityFolk presented the basics of seed-saving, as well as sharing FarmFolkCityFolk’s work to breed better, BC-adapted crop varieties. Keen scientists (no experience necessary!) can sign up for the FarmFolkCityFolk’s Citizen Seed Trial to test some of their seeds yourself, and report back on the results.
Ve-Jane Duong of Microfusion Farms has dedicated the past four years to breeding the tomato of her dreams (the sweet, smoky Cherokee Purple) to create a durable fruit without sacrificing flavour. The descendants of the Cherokee Purple (on the left in the below photo) became a small, hearty, and unexpectedly pink crossbreed (on the right). Look out for this year’s iteration at Ve-Jane’s farmer’s market stands this summer.
Photo by Ve-Jane Duong
Thank you to everyone who came to Seedy Saturday Richmond 2025.
We are seeking supporters, collaborators, and sponsors for Seedy Saturday 2026! You can donate to our fundraising campaign here, or reach out to info@urbanbounty.ca if you are interested in sponsoring the event through funds or in-kind donations!
