Madison Reporter

Madison Public Library is once again offering free native Wisconsin plant seeds, available from January 13. The initiative is part of the library's Seed Library program and includes eight species of native plant seeds donated by the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department. These seeds were collected by volunteers from Dane County Parks.

The species available are Black-eyed Susan, Wild Bergamot, Butterfly Weed, Rattlesnake Master, Little Bluestem, Smooth Blue Aster, Golden Alexander, Bottlebrush Grass, and a Native Garden Mix containing all these species. "We are pleased to partner with the Madison Public Library and other libraries in the county to provide native seeds collected by our volunteer program," stated Laura Hicklin, Director of the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department.

Library volunteers packaged over 5,700 seed packets during events held in December and January. These packets are available at eight participating libraries: Alicia Ashman Library, Goodman South Library, Hawthorne Library, Lakeview Library, Meadowridge Library, Monroe Street Library, Pinney Library, and Sequoya Library. No library card is required to obtain the seeds; however, supplies are limited.

Native Wisconsin seeds thrive when overwintered. Madison Public Library offers a guide on sowing these seeds during winter on their website madpl.org/seedlibrary. The site also provides gardening book lists for adults and youth along with upcoming gardening programs scheduled for spring.

"Native Wisconsin seeds help restore natural habitats in Dane County," said Community Engagement Librarian Hannah Majeska. "In addition to a healthy environment, time spent in nature has a positive impact on our wellbeing."

For more information about the Seed Library and available seed varieties visit madpl.org/seedlibrary.