Main Library @ the Reference Desk
Our 2018 GARDEN TALK series with Amy Dismukes and the Williamson County Master Gardeners Speakers Bureau returns in February! Click here for program descriptions and registration.
Attention Williamson County Gardeners!
WCPL's 2018 Seed Exchange will open the second week in March. A big shout out to the Williamson County Master Gardeners Association, Harpeth True Value Homecenter, and to individual gardeners for giving us seeds. Your donations will help get our 2018 Seed Exchange off to a good start. We could still use more seeds, so if you have any extra, please consider donating them to us! Just follow these GUIDELINES, and drop them off at the Reference Desk on the second floor.
In March of 2018, 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, UT/TSU Extension, Williamson County Horticulture Agent.
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:
- Amy Dismukes, UT/TSU Extension Agent, Williamson County
- The Giving Garden, A Ministry of Franklin First UMC
- Franklin Farmers Market Educational Foundation
- Harpeth True Value Hardware Home Center
- Kirkview Farm, Franklin Farmer's Market
- Tina Manion, Seed Exchange Volunteer
- Michael Podlesny, "Mike the Gardener"
2018 GARDEN TALK SERIES:
All programs are on Monday from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
February 12: Get A Jump On The Season: Start Seeds Early
March 12: Vegetable Gardening 101
March 26: Help A Hummer Out: Hummingbirds In TN
April 16: All The Little Pretties: Ornamentals
April 30: Herb Gardening (And Companion Plants)
May 7: From My Head Tomatoes
June 11: Thugs Of Tennessee: Plant Diseases
June 25: Bugs Of Tennessee: Plant Pests
July 2: Gardening To Attract Pollinators
July 16: Gardening On Steep Slopes
August 27: Urban Trees For Middle TN (and Best Management Practices)
September 10: Weeds, Weeds, Weeds!
September 17: Seed Savers Unite: Collecting and Saving Seeds!
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