The Franklin County Garden Club recently distributed seeds to local children at the Franklin County Public Library.

The program was meant to encourage local youths to grow their own gardens and then return seeds to the club’s Seed Library later in the year, according to a press release from the Garden Club.

“We are proud of the progress we’ve made and remain optimistic about the program’s future growth,” the press release said.

The Seed Library is run through a collaboration between Crimson Clover Master Gardener Association, the Sewanee Garden Club and the Franklin County Garden Club with the effort being spearheaded by FCGC Member Helen Tinnerman.

In 2022, Tinnerman researched heirloom seed preservation and realized that people had stopped saving seeds over time, according to the press release.

The first seed companies were family-run businesses, but now a few large companies control the seed supply.

Ten companies control about 73 percent of the global seed market. Monsanto is the world’s largest seed company and is also a giant in the pesticide world, the press release said.

Tinnerman and the rest of the FCGS felt that a seed library with an exchange program would be beneficial to the local community, the press release said.

The program helps fulfill the club’s mission to promote the love of gardening, share local adapted varieties of plants and create the ability for participants to grow their own food.

Additionally, it fosters a healthy community and promotes sustainability by providing a seed library that supports the longevity of heirloom seeds, the press release added.

Tinnerman’s vision sparked interest in seed conservation and the variety of available seeds has increased over the years, according to the press release.

Seeds are collected, shelled or speared, packaged, labeled and then organized in a portable manner before then being distributed to those who want to get involved in the Seed Library, the press release said.

The FCGC meets on the second Friday of each month except in January and August. Meetings are held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 213 First Ave. N.W., Winchester, with social time at 12:45 p.m. and the meeting following shortly afterward.