Aurora Public Library offers 'Seed Swap' Jan. 26

Does this cold weather make you wish it was spring?

The Aurora Public Library can help! No, we can't change the weather, but we can help you prepare for spring (and make winter feel a little less dreadful).

Imagine a garden full of vibrantly colorful flowers, the smell of fresh herbs, the taste of crisp vegetables and the satisfaction that you grew it all in your own backyard!

Join them on Saturday, Jan. 26, for the "Seed Swap" from 10 a.m. to noon in the meeting room at the Aurora Public Library-West Branch, 233 S Constitution Drive.

What is a seed swap? A seed swap is like a potluck, but with seeds - great for both avid and aspiring gardeners. Free seeds will be available, including vegetable, flower and herb seeds.

You can bring seeds you collected last fall if you'd like to share.

Best part about this event, everyone will go home with lots of new seeds to try!

The "Seed Swap" takes place on National Seed Swap Day - held in January so you have time to start seeds indoors before planting time in the spring.

This event also gives you a great chance to talk with other area gardeners, and Master Gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension Service will be available to answer questions and provide their expert help.

Janet Stephens, reference and programming manger at West Branch, says "The Seed Swap has become a popular annual event at the West Branch. It's great fun to go through the many donated seed packets and pick out what you plan to grow this year, and the master gardeners can provide lots of hands-on tips on particular varieties and how to grow them."

Now if you're new to gardening, you might feel overwhelmed with the idea of having so many seeds and not knowing what to do with them.

Don't fret!

The library is offering a program on seed starting on Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the meeting room of the West Branch.

The Master Gardeners will provide you with tips on starting plants from seed, including soil preparation, container selection, lighting options and troubleshooting. Think spring! To register for the class, visit aurora.libnet.info/event/1232741 or call (630) 264-3600.

For information on the West Branch, visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org.