Seeds Galore
“Propagation Fair” is the new name of this annual event. This is a sterile term for a fertile undertaking. For those who wish to propagate misinformation, energy waves, or software; stay home. This show is not for you. In reality, it is a plant seed exchange.
The idea is fairly communist in its inception. People bring extra seeds to a public space. The seeds are distributed among a variety of tables bearing hand written signs reading “tomatoes” or “beets/chard” for example. The spelling varied as greatly as the species represented. Bags of seed potatoes sat next to strawberries. Apple scion twigs waited in empty milk jugs. All were free for the taking. The ghost of Karl Marx has haunted this event for years.
My friend, Stephanie, and I are seed fair veterans. We brought junk mail envelopes to reuse for storing the seeds, pens (both ball point and permanent marker) for marking our envelopes, extra bags for separating fresh items from dry, a comfortable carry-all bag and seeds of our own to share. Since I am nursing the remaining wounds of an ulcer, I also bring tincture and a banana.
The crowd can be fierce. Stephanie has a few tomato seeds that she covets which can be in short supply. We arrive early.
The parking lot is sparsely populated when we arrive. I note that the bus station is empty. “Buses don’t run out here on Sundays,” Steph reminds me. For the guerrilla gardener that attends these events, the choice to hold the event on a Sunday instead of a Saturday this year strikes a serious blow. Strike one.
Many of the crowd that attends these seed fairs garden because they have to, not because they want to. These are my fellow Oregonians who live on a limited income: single parent families with children in tow, elderly couples who survive on a social security check, college kids fed up with Top Ramen dinners and women like me who are used to fighting for everything we have. Cars are a luxury in this group.
The name of event was changed from the Permaculture Seed Exchange to the Propagation Fair this year. I had a number of people ask me when it was happening because they couldn’t find it listed under the old name. Strike two.
The day is bleak. The weather has been cold and stormy all week. Bishop’s rain angles under the eaves of the building soaking the sidewalk. I see a brave soul pulling her toddler out of a soggy bike trailer. How she made that hill in this weather is a testament to her dedication. This is a biking town but the bike rack beside her is abnormally empty. Strike three.
I turn back to the tables in front of me littered with seed packets. This is the future of food in my town for the poor. There are 1/3 of the crowds from last year. The gravity of the situation beyond my own personal investment weighs me down. Each of the seeds that I have in my bag must be planted. Familiar faces that are missing will need these seedlings.
My communist nature is what is truly being propagated this afternoon. I grab a handful of lonely squash seeds from an open container and pour them into an envelope. I have enough for each of my neighbors to grow at least 2 zucchini starts. If I ask each of those neighbors will share their harvest, we can connect with 20 families.The ghost of Karl Marx would approve.
Hi Sue,
I checked out your blog after Stephanie posted a link to it on the epguild yahoo group, and this was the first item. After reading it, I wanted to share my impressions of the event, as well, and solicit your suggestions.
The seed swap area did look less packed to me, too. The tables were more scattered, with more space to move, which I liked, and made it look less crowded, but also I think you’re right; there were less people, and less seed. I brought less seed myself, because I had given away most of my extras last year, and hadn’t accumulated as much since.
I agree it would be great to make the event more accessible to folks without the ability or desire to use a car, and get the word out to more low-income folks of all social groups. I’m not in Eugene much, so didn’t see where posters were or were not placed, and don’t listen to TV or radio, so didn’t hear if it was announced there or not, and how much lead-time was given.
It would be great to have more volunteers to get the word out well, and early.
FWIW (for what it’s worth), it was called the Spring Propagation Fair last year (2010) as well. Before then, I don’t know. As scions, cuttings, plants, and rootstocks are also available, it is more than a seed swap, so the new name seems fitting to me, as long as we can get the word out so people know. Do you have an idea for a name that would encompass all that and sound less sterile to you? (Btw, the propagation (cuttings, graftings, etc) we do are far from sterile!)
Do you have an interest in helping with publicity next year?
As far as accessibility, without cars, my understanding is that there was an attempt to have it on Saturday, pending availability of the venue (LCC Cafeteria). I don’t know for sure if un-availability on Saturday was the reason it was scheduled for Sunday instead, but that’s my best guess. It would be great to have more volunteers to find alternative venues if LCC isn’t available on a Saturday, also.
Also, FWIW, there was at least an attempt at carpooling, largely from Cosmic Pizza. The phone number of the carpool coordinator was emailed via the epguild yahoo group (and maybe elsewhere) and there was a carpool blurb on the poster (see link) with a number to call. My partner and I offered a ride from Cottage Grove, but apparently no one needed one.
There were repeated calls on the epguild email group for more volunteers, more help with the fair. Do you know of anywhere else we could seek out volunteers?
What else do you think could be done to make the event more accessible; where can posters be placed to be more visible to more folks who would come and really benefit, etc . . . .?
blessings,
greta
Greta – Thank you for your thoughtful response. I know what it is to arrange events in this community. My comments were not intended as a criticism, merely as commentary. Getting a free space is challenging in this area, even when it serves as a community benefit. You have to do the best with what you have despite the rain and the bus service.
The name is something that you can change however. Keep seed exchange. Your event’s name doesn’t have to describe everything you are offering just as your personal name doesn’t describe all that you are as a person. Reverting it back to the Seed Exchange offers a familiar title and leaves room for surprises. Everyone loves surprises.
The name is it’s own advertising. It has a legacy bought with your own sweat and tears. Greta, you have done so much for this community. The Seed Exchange is just one of many improvements that you have fostered in this little town. The name is fine. I suggest reverting it but I am not a volunteer for this event so I don’t get to chose. Do as you will. It’ll all be fine.
As for getting volunteers, I can only offer my compassion. The epguild list is a good start but it truly only a fraction of our community. How many permaculture diehards are off this list? Well, me for one. The originator of the list for two. Now add the numbers of Master Gardeners that you know that aren’t on the list. You have quite a collection already. How do you get a hold of these people? Let’s talk about this in person. Until then, keep up the good work. Karl Marx would be proud.