Enthusiastic gardeners and those who love sustainability don’t have long to secure their spot at The Cooma Community Garden (CCG) Seed Saving for Beginners Workshop, this Sunday, April 13, 2025. The CCG, a beloved hub for community engagement and education, will host a hive of information.
PHOTO: Bega Valley Seed Savers’ Toni Remi will share knowledge on behalf of their community who have been saving local seeds for the past 20 years CREDITS: CCG
Vele Civijovski, the dedicated President of CCG, shares his enthusiasm, saying, “When it comes to the Cooma Community Garden, I’m passionate about seeing people grow things and get involved in the community, while connecting through food.”
Recognising the importance of preserving heritage varieties, which according to the CCG, are celebrated for their superior nutrients and flavours, the group have embarked on an ambitious journey to save seeds in the region. Toni Remi an experienced facilitator from Bega Valley Seed Savers (BVSS) will do the main presentation, offering two decades worth of knowledge on behalf of her community. With the support from Bega Valley Seed Savers, a well-respected group, CCG aims to empower Cooma’s gardeners with seed-saving knowledge.
PHOTO: The CCG is located in the grounds of St Andrew’s Uniting Church.
The event at 61 Soho Street, Cooma, runs for 2.5 hours and kicks-off at 1:30pm, promising a comprehensive introduction to seed saving, catering to beginners eager to delve into gardening. Toni Remy will guide participants through selecting, harvesting, processing, and storing seeds—a blend of theory and hands-on practice.
Secretary Melissa Walker, a pivotal figure in the community’s efforts, has been instrumental in setting up the garden’s seed library stand. This resource is now available to garden members and the public, nurturing the sharing of heritage plant genetics.
Tickets for the workshop cost $17.19, and are available on Eventbrite. Attendees will not only leave with practical skills but also with a hand-out to aid their future gardening endeavours.
For Vele Civijovski and the CCG team, the workshop represents more than just education, it’s a celebration of community offering a chance to connect.
PHOTO: Heritage produce varieties were often bred for flavour.