Each spring I start my day by checking on my seedlings. I’ll touch the top of their soil to see if they need water, I’ll rotate the ones furthest from the light so they don’t grow crooked, and then I’ll ogle at and coo over every new little leaf. I cannot overemphasize the awe that overcomes me each season when something so small metamorphosizes into a whole plant before my eyes. When the summer sun is at its strongest, and the once little seedlings are fragrant and strong from their basking, these little wonders start giving back. In return for the sun, water, and nutrients that you have provided them, they give you beautiful flowers and nutritious fruits. They thank you for your time and patience. Every year I nearly cry biting into summer’s premier tomato; sun-warmed and tasting unlike anything from a grocery store. And I swear I’ve discovered a new type of joy watching a child I babysat pick and munch on a cucumber that she grew herself. We at SFL want to share this magic with you.
No matter how small there is potential inside of each and every seed. Potential for growth, beauty, nourishment, and community. A single seed contains the potential to feed yourself, but a packet of seeds contains the potential to feed your neighborhood. So, request a digital catalog and plant some seeds today! Create a space in your yard, patio, or windowsill that is special and just for you! Keep fresh flowers on your nightstand, or surprise your neighbor with a bouquet! Grow herbs and vegetables and learn how to preserve them by making a family sauce recipe for generations to come! Together we are living through a moment of separation and uncertainty, but here at Stonington Free Library we are adapting in many ways to help meet the needs of our community. Some things remain the same though, and we will continue to distribute seeds from our Seed Library generously donated by URI Master Gardener, Noreen Kepple. Planting a seed is an act of hope and we hope that as a community, with proper time and patience, we too can grow together and provide for one another.
