This past weekend, SALA alumni gathered at Kits Beach for a hands-on workshop that blended catching up with old friends, enjoying the outdoors, and preparing for the upcoming spring season. The afternoon kicked off with a casual pizza picnic in the park, where attendees reconnected over slices and shared stories of life post-SALA. As the sun peeked through the clouds, we transitioned to the main event: crafting seed bombs.
Jonathon, who researched seed bombs during his time at UBC, guided us through the process, sharing his expertise on sourcing seeds, selecting binding agents, and identifying ideal growing locations. Seed bombs, for those unfamiliar, are small, nutrient-packed bundles of clay, dirt, and seeds that can be tossed into barren or neglected areas to encourage plant growth. They’re a simple yet powerful tool for guerrilla gardening and ecological restoration.
For this workshop, we focused on native plant species, including Western Yarrow, Autumn Sneezeweed, Lupine, Lewis Flax, and Prairie Coneflower—plants that are not only beautiful but also vital to local ecosystems. We rolled up our sleeves and mixed the ingredients, shaping them into small, earthy orbs. There’s something deeply satisfying about working with your hands, and the act of creating something that will (hopefully) bloom into life come spring felt both meditative and purposeful.
As we worked, Jon shared tips on where to place the seed bombs for optimal growth, emphasizing the importance of timing. Late winter, he explained, is the ideal season to prepare them, as the upcoming rainstorms will provide the seeds with their first drink, setting the stage for germination.
The workshop was more than just a gardening activity—it was a reminder of the power of community and collaboration. Between laughter and shared memories, it was clear that this event was as much about nurturing connections as it was about nurturing seeds. As the afternoon wound down, we left with our seed bombs in hand, ready to scatter them in our chosen spots. The forecasted rainstorms later in the week felt like a promise of things to come—a natural follow-up to our efforts.
This event was a testament to the creativity and passion of the SALA community. It was a chance to step away from screens and deadlines, reconnect with nature and each other, and contribute to the beauty of our local environment. A huge thank you to Jonathon Kwok for leading the workshop and to everyone who came out to make it such a memorable day. Here’s to a spring filled with growth, both in the ground and in our community!
Submitted by James Gray, MLArch '24
