Seed Library Workshop & Packing: Grow It True - Heirloom Pumpkin Seed Saving with Maplewood Permaculture

Join The Groundswell Collective for a hands-on Seed Library Packing and Workshop Session at Cardiff Library as part of the Seeds of Resilience monthly program.

This session features guest presenter Anthea from Maplewood Permaculture, who will focus on the important skills for saving true seed from pumpkins.

Featured technique: Hand Pollination & Flower Exclusion for Heirloom Pumpkins

Pumpkins cross-pollinate easily, so if you want to save seed that grows true to type, you need to control pollination.

Anthea will demonstrate:

• How to identify male and female pumpkin flowers

• When to hand pollinate for best results

• Simple methods to exclude insects and prevent cross-pollination

• How to mark and track your seed pumpkins

• What to do at harvest time to save viable seed

Alongside the workshop, participants will help pack and label seeds for Lake Mac Seed Library, supporting biodiversity, local food security, and community sharing.

Anthea and her partner Will are garden educators and designers based in Paterson in the Hunter Valley, known for making permaculture clear, practical, and accessible for home gardeners.

☕ A relaxed, social morning — conversation and curiosity encouraged.

With thanks to Australia Post for supporting community wellbeing and seed sharing initiatives.

What to Expect

• Seed packing and labelling for Lake Mac Seed Library

• Live demonstration of pumpkin hand pollination and exclusion

• Practical heirloom seed saving tips

• Learn how seed libraries work and how to get involved

• Meet local gardeners and community members

Who Should Attend

• Home gardeners and seed savers

• Heirloom and food gardeners

• Families and community members

• Anyone wanting to save true seed at home

No experience required — just come along and join in