The first gardeners from the CEED Centre in Maple Ridge went outside for the first time in 2023 on March 4 during the Seed Swap Garden Party. This event was intended to give people a chance to see the CEED Centre gardens, socialize and for the first time this year exchange seeds as a group, and learn the principles of growing their own plants.

From the very morning, the day was crispy and cloudy, hence the participants were able to learn how groundhogs can feel when they leave their burrows “in search of their own shadow”. Such a bad weather, however, did not discourage anyone who wanted to share their seeds with others. Either way, the lack of sun this day stands for a good sign that the spring will come soon!

The CEED Centre Society building hosted four presentations, for gardeners of all skill levels, by Christian Cowley, Carl Ronka and Dave Evely. That day, over a cup of coffee, I could learn from experts about how to grow my own food and I left with many new entries in my contacts book.