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Victoria Seedy Saturday
After a triumphant return in February 2024 following a three-year hiatus during the pandemic, we are thrilled that Seedy Saturday 2025 was a buzzing success! Revitalizing a cherished tradition dating back to 1994, this event reemerged thanks to the dedication of passionate members of the Urban Food Table. With the help of 107 volunteers, community fundraising, and a grant from OUR DWTN from the City of Victoria, we were able to host at Crystal Gardens this past February with over 1800 attendees and 50+ vendors. We are excited to have had Seedy Sunday back the past two years and we need community support to keep it going for 2026!
A Rejuvenated Tradition
Originally organized by the James Bay Market Society since 2000, Victoria Seedy Saturday quickly became a cornerstone event, eventually outgrowing its humble origins at the James Bay Community Centre and finding a grander stage at the Victoria Conference Centre. However, the last in-person Seedy event in February 2020 marked the end of an era, leaving a void eagerly filled by the determined efforts of the Urban Food Table and its partners.
Seeding Success Through Collaboration
Fuelled by passion and purpose, a dedicated subcommittee emerged within the Urban Food Table in 2023, joining forces with the Compost Education Centre to spearhead the revival. After such a successful event in February 2024 at the Quadra Village Community Centre, it was clear that we needed a larger venue to accommodate more local vendors and attendees. With funding secured from diverse sources, including grants from OUR DWTN, and support from sponsors including the Victoria Urban Food Table, Victoria Horticultural Society, Health Science Association, Nicola Wealth, Urban Grocer, Wildfire Bakery, Pederson’s Event Rentals, CRD, Better Print, Cold Comfort Ice Cream, and Lifestyle Markets, the possibilities to expand in 2025 to a larger venue at Crystal Gardens were made possible!
Weathering the Storm: Community Resilience
As we continue to experience more uncertainty about our future, we are inspired at the enthusiasm and support we received for this past Seedy Saturday. This community showed up in every way: we had over 107 volunteers, 12 local sponsors, 5 community food experts host our speaker sessions, 50+ local vendors and nearly 1900 people attend the event. Amidst the bustling crowds, conversations flowed freely, and vendors marveled at the bustling energy at the busiest Seedy Saturday we’ve had to date!
A Garden of Inspiration: Cultivating Community
From seasoned gardeners to first-time enthusiasts, Victoria Seedy Sunday welcomes individuals of all skill levels, united in their quest for seeds and knowledge. Attendees revel in the abundance of workshops and resources, each session brimming with eager participants soaking up insights and inspiration from regional experts in food security and urban gardening.
Join the Movement: Planting Seeds of Change
Victoria Seedy Sunday isn't just an event; it's a testament to the resilience and passion of our community. As we reflect on the success of this year's gathering, let us carry forward the spirit of growth, connection, and sustainability, nurturing not just our gardens but the bonds that bind us together as stewards of the earth.
Join us next year as we continue to sow the seeds of a brighter, greener future! If you’d like to be part of our fundraising committee for 2026, please email vicseedy@gmail.com to join!
Workshop Series
Seedy Saturday had 3 speaker sessions at Crystal Gardens during the day. Our gracious speakers included Katie Underwood of Peas n’ Carrots Farm, Solara Goldwyn of Hatchet and Seed, Ariel Reyes of Iyé Creative, Lisa Willot from Farmfolk Cityfolk, and Martyna Tomczynski from Healing City Soils. We are grateful for sharing their knowledge and experience!
Photo by Mike Graeme
Session #1: “Where to Start, From Seed!”
Speaker Bio: Starting as a backyard grower, Katie Underwood now operates Peas n' Carrots Farm on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. As a certified Organic grower, Katie understands the importance of high-quality, locally adapted seed and maximizing crop yield in small spaces.
In addition to running her farm, Katie works towards raising the capacity of her agricultural community as part of the South Island Farmers Institute and the Peninsula and Area Agriculture Commission.
Photo by Mike Graeme
Session #2: “Growing Culture in Our Gardens”
Speaker Bios:
🌻 Ariel Reyes Antuan
Ariel is a dynamic social entrepreneur and Afrofuturistic thinker, born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. As a co-founder of Iyé Creative, Ariel focuses on culturally relevant foods, land access, and economic development for BIPOC communities. His work reflects a commitment to sustainable, reciprocal relationships and the transformative power of ancestral knowledge.
🌻 Lisa Willott
Lisa has been involved in small-scale farming for nearly 20 years and seed saving for 10 years. She works as the Vancouver Island Seed Security Coordinator for FarmFolk CityFolk.
🌻 Solara Goldwynn
Solara is the Food and Farm Systems Lead at Royal Roads University and Co-Owner of Hatchet and Seed. She is a mother, food grower, and a recent graduate of the Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Communication at RRU.
Photo by Mike Graeme
Session #3: “Heavy Metal Soil Testing for Home Gardeners”
Speaker Bio: Martyna Tomczynski manages the Healing City Soils Program, which offers free soil testing for gardeners in the CRD. With a B.Sc. in Environmental Science and a master’s degree in progress, her expertise spans agricultural best practices, soil toxicology, and ecological restoration. Passionate about soil health and science communication, Martyna empowers gardeners to create resilient ecosystems in urban environments.
Volunteer Impact
Victoria Seedy Sunday could not have succeeded in such a huge way without the passion and dedication of 107 incredible volunteers. From the meticulous planning stages to the bustling day-of activities, their tireless efforts ensured every aspect of the event bloomed with success. They lent their hands to setting up stalls, guiding vendors and attendees with precision, and sharing their unique plant wisdom. Their unseen yet indispensable work, from packing seed donations to orchestrating smooth transitions, formed the roots of this flourishing gathering. Through their collective spirit and unwavering commitment, Seedy Saturday is not just an event, but a testament to the power of community in nurturing a greener world.
A huge thank you to all volunteers, we couldn’t have done it without you!
Community Testimonies
Vendor Testimonies
