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Willits Seed Library News I love March because it means that spring is just around the corner. We have certainly had our share of exciting weather, so I am ready for spring. Spring brings with it hopes of longer days, warmer weather, and garden planning. Speaking of gardening: The seed library will be adding more seeds to the drawers throughout March, so make sure you stop by and see what we have to offer. Our garden books may also be a good source for dreaming, and planning, your spring garden. New Seeds! The Willits Branch staff work to maintain a thriving seed library for the community. This includes regularly updating the inventory as new seed donations are received and existing supplies dwindle. The staff carefully organizes and labels incoming seeds, making them readily available for local gardeners. View our complete seed inventory list here >> |
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Seed and Scion Exchange
Saturday, March 14, 10am - 3pm
Anderson Valley Grange, Philo, CA
Grafting demonstrations, seed exchange, and more.
Free event. |
Using Natural Methods to Deal with Pests
Planting mint (a natural insect repellant) in your garden, as well as marigolds, mums, basil, lavender, and petunias, can assist in deterring common pests. Some homemade solutions include organic neem oil, and a garlic/cayenne pepper spray to repel aphids, beetles and small mammals.
One tried and true method by library staff involves using some newspaper, water and a rubber band. To trap earwigs, slugs, sow bugs and more: - Roll a few pages of newspaper together, bound the pages with a rubber band and dampen in water.
- Place the dampened roll near the affected plants in the evening.
- In the morning, unroll the paper to reveal the bugs and place them in soapy water.
- Tip: add wheat germ or bran inside the roll as a further attractant.
- Repeat the process for several nights, or until there is a noticeable reduction in population.
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 Examining the local seed display at the Round Valley Branch Gathering of Seed Savers |
 On a sunny Saturday in November (2025), Willits Branch staff took the winding road to Covelo and joined the Gathering of Seed Savers hosted by the Round Valley Branch. Tables were spread with containers of seeds contributed by the community. At first glance, there were many containers of different beans with intriguing names, such as "Rio Zepe," "Appaloosa," and "Turkey Draw." There were stations set up for threshing and winnowing dried seeds with helpful tools, like framed screens pictured right. The Willits Branch staff offered excess seeds to the Round Valley Branch Seed Library, and brought some seeds from the gathering to share at the Willits Branch. |
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What's Blooming? A few species, such as the steadfast Calendula (Calendula officinalis) braves the cold Willits mornings. Also known as English Marigold, Pot Marigold, and Holigold, this plant has been used medicinally since the 12th century. For an in-depth review of Calendula's attributes, follow this link from the National Library of Medicine Teucrium fruticans,  commonly known as Tree Germander, is another one of the few plants currently blooming in the Pollinator Garden. Part of the mint family, Tree Germander is native to the Mediterranean. It seems to do well in this area. |
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Plants for the Winter Garden: Perennials, Grasses, Shrubs, and Trees to Add Interest in the Cold and Snow
by Warren Leach
Though many plants go dormant in wintry months, there are many inspiring cultivars and varieties that hold their interest through the cold and snow, including brightly colored twigs, buds, and berries, dazzling winter flowers and dried seed pods. Plants for the Winter Garden extends the possibilities for the cold-climate gardener and provides invaluable insight that will make any garden thrive during the cold season. Plantsman Warren Leach shares expertise and techniques perfected over thirty years of gardening in frigid eastern Massachusetts. Discover how to incorporate structural elements like stone walls, paths, and hardy containers that keep gardens intriguing when covered with snow; accentuate plant shapes that hold their form year-round; site and prune evergreens for maximum effect; and showcase trees with textured or colorful bark that stand out in gray months.--Provided by publisher.
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The Nonstop Garden: A Step-By-Step Guide to Smart Plant Choices and Four-Season Designs
by Jennifer Benner
With hectic lifestyles and busy schedules, people are finding it more and more appealing to enjoy their leisure time at home rather than packing their bags in search of peaceful retreats. But how can they confidently create a garden retreat? By following Cohen and Benner's trusted advice and building a nonstop garden, they'll have more creative planting options, a garden that requires less maintenance than a traditional perennial border.The Nonstop Garden gives gardeners all the information they need to create a productive, beautiful garden. This easy-to-use guide is split into four main parts and includes ten fail-safe design plans that can be incorporated into any garden. Gardeners can choose from a native garden, a scented garden, a gold-colored garden, a garden for wet sites, a vibrant-colored garden, a cool-colored garden, a winter garden, a shade garden, and a design plan for the daunting area known as the hellstrip.
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