Main Library @ the Reference Desk
Our 2019 GARDEN TALK series with the Williamson County Master
Gardeners Speakers Bureau starts on FEBRUARY 11! Click here for
descriptions of our great NEW programs and to register.
SEED EXCHANGE REOPENS MARCH 13, 2019!
We're very grateful to the Williamson County Master Gardeners Association, Harpeth True Value Homecenter, and individual gardeners for giving us seeds. Your donations will get our 2019 Seed Exchange off to a good start.
We're still accepting donations, so if you have any extra seeds, please consider donating them to us for our 2019 Seed Exchange! Just follow these GUIDELINES, and drop them off at the Reference Desk on the second floor.
Beginning March 13, Library members will be able to "check out" packets of seeds at the Main Library in Franklin. It's a fun way to try new seeds . . . and it's FREE! Just pick out your seeds, plant them, harvest seeds in the fall, and then bring a few back to the Library for the next growing season.
Here’s How:
- The Library’s seed collection will be kept at the Reference Desk on the second floor.
- Hours for the Seed Exchange are Monday -Thursday 9:00am - 7:30pm, Friday & Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm, and Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm.
- A library card will be required to borrow seeds. Click to apply for a library card.
- Patrons must be at least 18 years of age to check out seeds.
- Each patron can take up to 10 packets of seeds, limited to 1 packet of each type of seed.
- Pick out your seed packets.
- “Check out” your seeds at the Reference Desk.
- Patrons who borrow seeds are encouraged but not required to bring back seeds the following season.
- The Library makes no guarantees about the success of any of the seeds in our collection.
- The seeds are for planting only. DO NOT EAT.
- The Library is not responsible for seed usage.
Each seed packet will include very basic information about the plant and planting instructions. For more details about each plant, patrons are encouraged to use some of the Library’s great gardening resources. A Reference librarian will be happy to help you locate just the right gardening book.
You can also find tons of helpful information about your plants at the following websites:
Williamson County Agriculture Extension
Williamson County Master Gardeners Association
The National Gardening Association
Garden Web
Gardener’s Supply Company
Dave’s Garden
*Gardener's Supply Company and Dave's Garden sell seeds, plants and gardening supplies, but also offer great "how to" articles
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange
Common Poisonous Plants
Invasive Plants
Seed Savers Unite! Tips on saving seeds by Amy Dismukes.
WCPL welcomes any feedback and suggestions from our patrons as we continue to develop our Seed Exchange!
Thank you to all the individuals who have donated seeds to our Exchange, and to:
- Williamson County Master Gardeners Association
- Harpeth True Value Homecenter
- The Giving Garden, A Ministry of Franklin First UMC
- Franklin Farmers Market Educational Foundation
- Kirkview Farm, Franklin Farmer's Market
- Tina Manion, Seed Exchange Volunteer
- Michael Podlesny, "Mike the Gardener"
2019 GARDEN TALK SERIES:
All programs are on Monday from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
February 11: Starting Seeds
March 4: Soil Health and Composting
April 8: Alternative Gardening: Walled, Winding and Wetter Ways to Grow
May 6: Edible Gardens: Veggies, Herbs and Recipes
June 3: Native Plants vs. Invaders: The Impact on Pollinators
July 8: Some [Plants] Like it Hot
August 12: Landscape Design Basics
September 23: Water in the Garden: Rain Barrels, Rain Gardens and Simple Water Features
Feel Free to Browse!
In the 635 call number range you will find a great assortment of books on all aspects of gardening – from flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables to organic gardening, water features, roses and container gardening. Have fun browsing for the just the right book!
Great Gardening Resources
American Horticultural Society Gardening Manual 635 AME
Square-Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew
635 BAR
The Garden Primer by Barbara Damrosch
635 DAM
How to be a Gardener by Alan Titchmarsh
635 TIT
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening
635.0484 ROD
The Southern Living Garden Book
635.9 SOU
Books for Tennessee Gardeners
Best Garden Plants for Tennessee by Sue Hamilton
635.0975 HAM
50 Great Flowers for Tennessee by Judy Lowe
635.0975 LOW
Tennessee & Kentucky Month-by-Month Gardening by Judy Lowe
635.09768 LOW
Guide to Tennessee Vegetable Gardening by Walter Reeves
635.09768 REE
P. Allen Smith's Garden Home by P. Allen Smith.
712 SMI
Herbs, Fruits & Vegetables for Tennessee by James Fizzell
R 635.0975 FIZ
Gardening Magazines
Country Gardens
PER COU
Fine Gardening
PER FIN
Organic Life (formerly Organic Gardening)
PER ORG and Zinio digital magazines
