THIS year’s Frome Potato Day and Seed Swap will be held on Sunday 20th February at the Cheese and Grain.
“Spending time in nature, out in the garden, pottering around growing delicious fruit and veggies is so good for your physical and mental health, especially in these uncertain times,” says organiser, Caroline Wajsblum.
“Find everything you need to get off to a good start this growing season; wonderful stalls selling seed potatoes, bulbs, seeds, plants and fruit trees, community groups and local green health initiatives, workshops and kids’ activities!
“For the Community Seed Swap bring your excess seeds in clearly marked paper envelopes and swap for exciting new varieties!
“Find out about some of the local green health initiatives such as Shared Earth Learning, The Walled Garden at Mells, and Frome Field 2 Fork, all offering a wonderful assortment of opportunities to connect with local people and reconnect with nature through horticulture.
“Also there will be Green & Healthy Future for Frome; a partnership between Frome Town Council, Edventure and Frome Medical Practice, funded by the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund. This community-led initiative is based on people’s health and the health of the planet being intertwined – if we improve one, we’ll also improve the other and everyone will share in a better future.
“Find out more about ‘Future Shed’ a space where people can meet and cook up ideas, start-ups and initiatives, the cycle scheme, healthier homes and lifestyles programme, green health community connectors and so many other ways you can get involved and take action.
“Our free workshops this year:
“From 11am-12pm community herbalist Em Tivey from Radix Botanicals will be talking about ‘Roots of Resilience’: how herbs can keep us grounded in bonkers times. Looking at three exceptional plant medicines known to support the nervous system and naturally increase resilience to stress, and a new community supported herbalism project they are hoping to launch this year where you could grow batches of medicinal plants in your garden, allotments or land for a local community herbal dispensary and be involved in medicine making and more!
“From 12pm-1pm ‘Learn about Seed Saving!’ – Peter Andrews from Eco-Logic Books has been selling and publishing books that promote practical solutions to environmental problems, for over 20 years including a fabulous one about Seed Saving. Find out some great tips for growing plants for seeds, harvesting and storing seeds from your own garden.
“From 1pm-2pm ‘Spring Foraging’ – foraging expert Pavla Kislerova from local business Hejgro will be sharing some of our most common weeds and how to use them not only in your kitchen, but also in your garden. She will share recipes and useful tips and tricks. The talk is suitable for people with no previous experience, and those who want to progress on their journey of connecting with wild plants. At her stall you can also try her wonderful locally foraged products and find info about local foraging walks she will lead this spring.
“All in all a fabulous day to find inspiration and opportunities to get out in nature, grow, support your wellbeing and create positive change for our community and planet!
“We ask people to be respectful and wear masks if possible and be aware of people’s personal space as the event can be busy at times. We will ensure that a limited number of people are in the hall at any one time to help maintain a bit more space.”
The Frome Potato Day and Seed Swap is on Sunday 20th February at the Cheese and Grain, 10am-2pm, and entry costs £3.
To volunteer for a couple of hours at this event please contact organiser Caroline Wajsblum by email: incredibleediblefrome@gmail.com or call 07856437608.
