The Seed Saving Workshop: A Blooming Success!
- Sturbridge Gardeners Community
- May 17
- 4 min read
Last April, the Sturbridge Gardeners Community kicked off our gardening workshop series with a vibrant event centered around the essential skill of seed saving and planting. If you missed our first workshop, fret not! We have a lineup of engaging events this summer designed to inspire gardeners of all levels.

The Seed Saving Workshop: A Blooming Success!
On April 26th, 2025, our community came together at the picturesque Gebhart Barn in Old Sturbridge Village for the first workshop of the year, hosted by Annette Farrington & Maria Dubois. Enthusiastic gardeners—both beginners and seasoned green thumbs—gathered to expand their knowledge about planting and starting seeds. Annette Farrington led us through the fundamentals of seed starting, sharing her knowledge on the best materials, timing, and care for a successful start to the growing
season. Her hands-on demonstration was thorough, practical, and truly inspiring.

Annette provided a comprehensive overview of the seed-starting process, emphasizing the importance of soil quality and proper watering techniques. Participants appreciated her step-by-step guidance, which made the learning process straightforward and enjoyable.

I, Maria Dubois, took the opportunity to discuss the rewarding practice of collecting and storing seeds from your garden. This not only saves money but also helps preserve heirloom varieties for years to come. shared insights on saving and storing seeds from your own garden. Participants got to interact, touch, and open seeds for a real-life demonstration—and we ended the workshop by sharing heirloom seeds collected from our very own community gardens.

We were also joined by guest member and Master Gardener **Suzanne Werner**, who
shared a brief talk about **growing dahlias** and offered some of her prized dahlias for sale
onsite—a wonderful treat for flower lovers!
As the workshop concluded, we shared heirloom seeds cultivated from our gardens.
Upcoming Excitement: Open Garden Tours!

Get ready for our 2nd Annual Open Garden Tours on July 19th from 10 AM to 4 PM! This year, we will showcase stunning gardens from Sturbridge, Brimfield, and Brookfield. Each garden will reflect unique designs, plant selections, and philosophies that inspire.
If you have a garden you are proud of, consider hosting as one of the featured gardens this year! The final submission for hosting is due by June 20th. This is an excellent opportunity for you to share your gardening journey and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Imagine the joy of welcoming visitors eager to learn and share gardening tips with you!
Open Garden Tours 2025: Call for Hosts!
Want to Host?
Showcase your garden and be part of something special!
Submission deadline: June 20, 2025
Sign up at our website or message us on Facebook.
We look forward to seeing you this summer—let’s dig in!
Volunteer Opportunities: Be a Part of the Growth!
We’re always looking for volunteers to help with our events, share gardening knowledge,
and connect with others. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grower—there’s a place
for you in the Sturbridge Gardeners Community.
Join Us for our Upcoming Events:

As we cultivate our gardening community, we invite everyone to volunteer for our upcoming events. On Saturday, June 7th, the Sturbridge Gardeners Community will be at the Brimfield Winery Wine & Food Festival. Here, we will sell tickets and plants while spreading the love for gardening and connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
To learn more about the 6th Annual Pioneer Valley Wine Festival or get your tickets here:https://brimfieldwinery.com/pioneer-valley-wine-festival
This is a fantastic opportunity to meet others who share your passion for plants and gardening!

Additionally, on Sunday, June 8th, we will host a membership drive at the Sturbridge Farmers Market on the Sturbridge Town Common. We invite you to stop by, connect with fellow gardeners, and learn more about our community. As a special treat, we will be giving away free plants and seeds, so mark your calendars!
Attending these events is a great way to immerse yourself in the local gardening scene and make new friends who enjoy growing plants as much as you do.
Embrace the Thrill of Gardening!
Gardening goes beyond planting flowers and vegetables; it is about forming connections. These connections could be with nature, the changing seasons, and the community of people who share a love for this art form.
As we prepare for our summer events, let's carry the enthusiasm and sense of community demonstrated during our seed workshop. Each event is an opportunity to learn, share, and grow—not just in knowledge, but in friendships and plants.
Whether you are hosting a garden, volunteering at the festival, or simply attending as a participant, your involvement enriches our community. Engage with fellow gardeners, expand your skills, and most importantly, have fun!
A Season Full of Possibilities
This month highlights the joy and satisfaction gardening brings to our lives. Our April workshop laid a solid foundation for an exciting season brimming with opportunities.
Stay Connected
Join our conversations, ask questions, and share your garden stories:
Facebook: @SturbridgeGardenersCommunity
Website: www.sturbridgegardenerscommunity.com
Let’s keep growing together!
— Maria Dubois
Founder, Sturbridge Gardeners Community
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