Spring is Springing—and So is Our Seed Library!

While the weather may still be catching up, spring has officially arrived! At the Frankenmuth Wickson District Library, that means it's time to dig into two of our favorite seasonal traditions: the return of the Wickson Seed Library and the annual Friends of the Library Garden Program—at a new location this year, the American Legion Building.

The Wickson Seed Library is open for the season and ready to help you grow something new! Now in its second year, this community-powered project continues to thrive—thanks to generous donations, dedicated volunteers, and enthusiastic local gardeners.

A seed library is more than just a place to get seeds. It’s a way to support sustainable gardening by borrowing seeds, growing them in your garden, and, if you’re able, saving some seeds to return for others to use next year. Over time, seeds grown and saved locally become better adapted to our unique climate and soil—producing stronger, more dependable crops.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, more than 90% of crop varieties have disappeared from farmers’ fields in the past century, largely due to a shift to hybrid crops. The result is a loss of genetic diversity that once provided resilience, flavor, and high yields. Seed libraries like ours help protect and preserve these vital plant varieties for future generations.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who donated seeds from last year’s harvest. We’re also grateful to the many volunteers who helped us sort and package over 3,000 seed packets this winter—including The Friends of the Library, Frankenmuth’s 4-H group, Peer to Peer students at Frankenmuth High School, and others. Your support keeps the seed library growing strong!

Anyone can stop by and “checkout” seeds from the seed library.  Returning seeds at the end of the season is not required but is encouraged.  We have over 3000 packets of a variety of different seeds so whether you are new or a seasoned gardener we have got seeds for you!

Spring Gardening with Abele Greenhouse & Garden Center

The Friends of the Library are also proud to present this year’s Garden Program—a special Earth Day event featuring Matt and Jennifer Bouvy of Abele Greenhouse & Garden Center. Join us as they share the latest spring gardening tips, trends, and inspiration to help you kick off your garden season with success.

This free event will be held on Tuesday, April 22 at 6:30 PM at the American Legion Hall, 990 Flint Street, Frankenmuth.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable, unexpired food donation (no glass, please) to support the I Support the 1% Veteran Food Pantry. Suggested items include canned meats or fish, peanut butter, canned pasta, and hearty stews or chili.

Let’s celebrate spring, sustainability, and community together.