Welcome to Perrot Memorial Library’s Nancy Altznauer Memorial Seed Library. A former board member, Nancy was instrumental in planning and executing the Library’s beautiful landscaping and gardens that we enjoy today.
The Seed Library was launched in the Spring of 2024, and represents the combined efforts of Anna Mulligan, senior girl scout, Girl Scout Troop 50126; Lori Mulligan, co-leader of Girl Scout Troop 50126 and Greenwich High School math teacher; Wendy Yu, chair of the Junior’s Committee of the Garden Club of Old Greenwich and Girl Scout Gold Award Project Advisor; the Master Gardeners at Garden Club of Old Greenwich; Greenwich Land Trust; and the Perrot Memorial Library.
The Fall 2024 Seed Library Launch is on Sunday, September 15, 2024 and focuses on native varieties. Native plants from seed may take one to three years to bloom fully. They “sleep” the first year to develop roots; “creep” the second year; and “leap” in the third year with vigorous growth. Native seeds germinate over months, not days or weeks, and some take even longer. Immature plants may not produce flowers initially but spend a season building roots to overwinter. Planting native seeds in the garden in the fall mimics their natural cycle. Unlike spring-planted annuals and vegetables, these seeds need winter weather to germinate through a process called “cold, moist stratification.” In spring, the seeds will sprout and grow.
What Is a Seed Library?
A seed library is a place that anyone can come to and get seeds to plant in their garden. It’s a great start for beginner gardeners as it provides easily accessible seeds that one can try growing. It creates a community of gardeners. Seed libraries also foster biodiversity and help the environment.
2024 Fall Varieties
Natives and Pollinators
- Common Milkweed
- Flat-Topped White Aster
- Foxglove Beardtongue
- Joe-Pye Weed
- Narrowleaf Mountain Mint
- New England Aster
- Wild Bergamot
How to Borrow
- Go to the Seed Library opposite the Circulation Desk in the Waid Building, Perrot Memorial Library.
- Choose varieties of plants based on your gardening ability.
- Take one envelope of seeds per variety home.
- Fill out our quick customer survey. (So we can tweak and improve our Seed Library!)
- Follow the planting directions by scanning the QR code on the seed packet or referring to the information page for each variety in the Seed Library Binder.
Need More information?
Contact Judy Sgammato at 203-637-1066 or at lending@perrotlibrary.org.
2024 Spring Varieties
Vegetables
- Bush Green Bean Provider
- Carrots Atlas
- Lettuce Mix Allstar Gourmet
- Peas Sugar Ann
- Radish French Breakfast
- Squash Delicata JS
- Swiss Chard Bright Lights
- Tomato Gold Nugget
- Tomato Moskvich
Flowers
