#PleasantvilleNY - #SeedLibrary

#MtPleasantPublicLibrary

"#GrowYourOwn garden with the help of our Seed Library—a collection of quality, regional flower and vegetable seeds that you can 'check out' for free at the Main Library.

What is a Seed Library?

A Seed Library is a collection of flower and vegetable seeds that you can 'check out' for free. Some Seed Libraries include seeds that have been saved by library patrons, or seeds donated from nurseries. We might have those sources one day at Mt. Pleasant Library, but for now we have seeds purchased from quality regional seed producers in #Maine and #AccordNY.

The purpose of a Seed Library is to encourage #SustainableGardening and #biodiversity by providing free access to seeds. These initiatives empower community members to grow their own food; learn #SeedSaving skills; preserve local, rare, or #HeirloomPlant varieties; and reduce reliance on #CommercialSeedCompanies. This helps combat seed #monocultures that threaten the world's food supply.

How does our Seed Library work?

- Go to the Gardening Special Collection at the Main Library and browse our Seed Library binder which includes details about each type of seed we offer.
- Help yourself to up to 5 seed packets per visit.
- Fill out a short form listing which seeds you took and if there are any seeds you want to request so that we can keep our Seed Library well stocked.
- Go and plant a garden!

What kind of seeds do we have?

- Vegetables, such as Amish Paste Organic Tomato, Marketmore and 76 Organic Cucumber
- Herbs, such as Genovese Basil
- Flowers, such as Purple Stem Asters, which are a great source of nectar for #bumblebees and other #pollinators in the #HudsonValley, and #SpottedJoePyeWeed, which is a native, locally sourced perennial that supports #butterfly populations
Check out our Seed Library binder for the full list of seeds we offer!"

FMI:
https://www.mountpleasantlibrary.org/index.php/collections/seed-library

#SolarPunkSunday #SeedSharing #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule #GYO #GardeningForPollinators #SeedLibraries

On July 20, 2024, I visited the Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge. The weather was perfect for an early morning walk—cool and crisp, with a light breeze and clear skies. The vibrant greenery of the refuge was all around me. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow across the marsh. I felt a sense of calm.

I wandered along the trails toward the southern end of the marsh, stopping frequently to take in the details of the plants. The first plant that caught my attention was a cluster of Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum), its purple buds just starting to open. The delicate structure of the flowers contrasted with the lush green background. Joe-Pye Weed is a tall, perennial plant known for its mauve-pink flower clusters that attract butterflies and other pollinators.

Further along, I came across a large patch of ferns edging both sides of the trail. Their leaves formed a dense carpet of green, creating a contrast with the tall grass reeds in the marsh. Ferns are ancient plants, known for their ability to thrive in shaded, moist environments. I love their feathery fronds.

The scene was tranquil and soothing. I took a moment to simply breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the natural beauty around me.

I finished my walk and returned to the observation tower at the eastern end of the marsh. The morning light created a play of shadows and highlights. Marsh grasses play a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife and helping to prevent soil erosion. The sight of the tall grass growing thick in the marsh was soothing.

I discovered a mushroom growing in the grass. Its thin, white stem supported a beautifully textured cap, creating a perfect subject for a macro photograph with the MCEX-16 and Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR lens. Mushrooms are fascinating organisms that sometimes seem a bit alien to me. They serve as decomposers in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter.

It was much quieter than on my previous visits, with fewer interactions with wildlife. While I had hoped to find dragonflies to photograph, I was happy just walking around and enjoying the fresh air. Maybe next time, I'll bring a cup of coffee and an egg sandwich.

https://islandinthenet.com/morning-at-rogers-refuge/

#CharlesHRogersWildlifeRefuge #EutrochiumMaculatum #fern #Mushroom #OnocleaSensibilis #ParasolaPlicatilis #PleatedInkcap #SensitiveFern #SpottedJoePyeWeed