BY KAREN BOSSICK

Grandmother Flordemayo, an icon of the seed saving movement, will speak about her ongoing efforts to protect the world’s seed heritage on Saturday.

Flordemayo will talk on “Grandmother’s Wisdom: Planting the Seeds of Humanity” during a free presentation at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Ketchum’s Community Library.

The talk is presented by the Wood River Seed Library, which features the best seeds of each year’s locally grown seeds.

Flordemayo was born in the highlands of Central America under the sign of the seed in Mayan astrology. She’s a Curandera Espiritu, healer of divine spirit, and one of the founding members of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers. The Council is comprised of traditional female elders drawn from around the world to offer prayer, education and healing on behalf of Mother Earth and her inhabitants.

In 2004 she created The Path, an organization to protect and conserve heritage seeds for future generations. In 2012 she created the Seed Temple on 40 acres in Estancia, N.M. There she safeguards thousands of seed varieties for future generations.

“She is truly connected and committed to her spiritual path, which centers around the ancient tradition of seed saving. Her message will be relevant to everyone, whether you’re a gardener or not,” said John Caccia, Wood River Seed Library manager.

SEED EXCHANGE TONIGHT

The Wood River Seed Library will hold its annual Fall Seed Exchange from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight—Thursday, Oct. 26—at Ketchum’s Community Library. Participants are encouraged to bring seeds to share, a bite or beverage to share, and jars to package seeds for next spring.

Those who have no seeds to share are still invited to partake in the bounty.