A Seedy History

Many plants that grow in Canada today were brought from other parts of the world and although they may grow wild, are not native prairie plants. Native plants have existed here for thousands of years and are well suited to live through our hot summers and windy winters.

The Galt Museum & Archives is home to a unique public garden that highlights native prairie plants. It was created by the Lethbridge & District Horticultural Society to celebrate their 2009 Centennial. It seemed appropriate to surround a museum that exhibits the region's history with plants representing its natural history. They commissioned Lethbridge‐based horticulturist June Flanagan to design it.

Over 50 species of prairie wildflowers, grasses and woody plants are featured and something is always in bloom from the time the snow melts in spring until the first fall frost. The formidable task of maintaining it has been done by a small team of volunteers associated with both the Horticultural Society and the Galt Museum & Archives. Countless hours of labour have been dedicated keeping weeds at bay on the dry, windswept slopes of the coulee’s edge.

On a national level, the Heritage Seed Program of Canadian Organic Growers, now the independent charitable organization Seeds of Diversity, started in 1984. So began the phenomenon of Seedy Saturday in Canada. In Canada, Seedy Saturdays continue to be locally or regionally organized events. Almost all of these events occur in the late winter, with a few in the autumn. In 2012 there were more than 100 events held in Canada.

On Sat MAR 18, travel in comfort with the Galt bus tour to Calgary’s Seedy Saturday. The heart of Seedy Saturday is the swapping and sale of seeds or other propagation material. The bus tour includes transportation, admission, breakfast pastries, lunch and beverages as well as educational information during the trip to Calgary. Tickets are on sale now. To register please call 403.320-3954. Deadline for registration is March 11, 2017 at 5 pm.