A seed library operates like a traditional library but instead of borrowing books to read, you borrow seeds to grow in your garden. People of all gardening levels are welcome to borrow seeds.
How it works
- The Seed Library is located in the AV area on the main floor.
- Fill out a form, mark the seeds you are taking, and how many of each type.
- Plant the seeds in your garden, as instructed. Maintain plants during growing season.
- Harvest and return seeds when growing season is over (optional).
Available Plants
The Seed Library will offer seed varieties of Illinois native prairie plants. Native plants are great of water retention, pollinator friendly, resistant to plant predators, and overall good for the environment.
Click on a plant name below to view more information.
Germination Code: C(30)/D
Light: Full/Partial
Soil: Medium/Medium-Dry
Bloom Time: June/July/August/September
Bloom Color: Purple
Height: 3 feet
Spacing: 12-16 inches
Seed Life: 3-4yr
Germination Code: C(30)
Light: Full/Partial
Soil: Medium/Medium-Dry/Dry
Bloom Time: June/July/August
Bloom Color: Orange
Height: 2 feet
Spacing: 1-3 feet
Seed Life: 3yr
Germination Code: C(30)/G
Light: Full/Partial/Shade
Soil: Medium-Wet/Medium
Bloom Time: June/July
Bloom Color: Pink
Height: 3 feet
Spacing: 1-2 feet
Seed Life: 5yr
Germination Code: C(60)/D
Light: Full/Partial
Soil: Wet/Medium-Wet
Bloom Time: July/August/September
Bloom Color: Red
Height: 4 feet
Spacing: 6-16 inches
Seed Life: 3yr
Germination Code: C(60)/B
Light: Full/Partial
Soil: Medium/Medium-Dry
Bloom Time: July/August/September
Bloom Color: Pink
Height: 1 foot
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Seed Life: 5yr
Germination Code: C(60)/M
Light: Full/Partial/Shade
Soil: Medium/Medium-Dry/Dry
Bloom Time: April/May/June
Bloom Color: Red
Height: 2 feet
Spacing: 10-17 inches
Seed Life: 5yr
Germination Code: C(60)
Light: Full/Partial
Soil: Medium-Wet/Medium
Bloom Time: July/August/September
Bloom Color: Purple
Height: 6 feet
Spacing: 2-3 feet
Seed Life: 3yr
Germination Code:C(60)/G/M
Light: Full/Partial
Soil: Medium-Wet/Medium/Medium-Dry
Bloom Time: April/May/June
Bloom Color: Yellow
Height: 3 feet
Spacing: 1-2 feet
Seed Life: 5yr
Germination Code: C(60)/D
Light: Full/Partial
Soil: Wet/Medium-Wet
Bloom Time: July/August/September
Bloom Color: Pink
Height: 1 foot
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Seed Life: 3yr
Germination Code: C(60)
Light: Full/Partial
Soil: Wet/Medium-Wet/Medium/Medium-Dry
Bloom Time: August/September/October
Bloom Color: Purple
Height: 5 feet
Spacing: 2-3 feet
Seed Life: 3yr
Germination Code: C(60)/B
Light: Full/Partial
Soil: Medium-Wet/Medium/Medium-Dry
Bloom Time: June/July/August
Bloom Color: White
Height: 3 feet
Spacing: 18-36 inches
Seed Life: 4yr
Germination Code: C(60)/D
Light: Full/Partial
Soil: Medium/Medium-Dry/Dry
Bloom Time: September/October/November
Bloom Color: Yellow
Height: 5 feet
Spacing: 2-3 feet
Seed Life: 3 yr