Ijams Seed Swap draws over 200 people, lots of gardening talk

"However many years she lived, Mary always felt that she should never forget that first morning when her garden began to grow," wrote Frances Hodgson Burnett in The Secret Garden.

Winter. It's cold. It’s dreary. But, we all know, spring is on the way.

Traditionally, this is the time of the year to look forward to better weather and start planning your garden. Whether it’s a backyard plot or a container on your downtown balcony, just what are you going to plant this year?

There was a time when you didn’t buy seeds, you traded for them.

Ijams held its first Seed Swap in 1995. This past Saturday marked its 20th anniversary. Over 200 people—Ijams members, friends and visitors—came together and brought their favorite seeds, cuttings or bulbs to share with others. Plus there was a lot of gardening talk and hints of spring fever.

- Peg Beute, Stephen Lyn Bales