AFTER a cold start to the year, followed by rain, wind and fog, gardening seemed an uninviting idea, and the Alton Local Food Initiative committee wondered whether many of their supporters would be interested in the annual seed swap, held last Saturday in the Methodist Church Hall.

So it was a nice surprise to find people queuing to come in 10 minutes before the doors opened, and for the next two hours a steady stream of prospective gardeners came and went.

Many brought some of their own seeds, saved from last year to swap for different varieties, while others made a donation to choose from the range of vegetable and flower seeds on offer.

There were drinks and biscuits to enjoy while sharing plans for the new season and advice exchanged on when, and what, to plant this year.

An Alton Local Food Initiative spokesman said: “It was lovely to see many of the regular supporters as well as some new ones, who brought fresh enthusiasm to the event.”

Any spare plants resulting from growing the seeds can be brought to the seedling swap on May 13. This event is part of the Lions craft market on Cross and Pillory Lane and is another regular feature in the food initiative calendar.

A new event is to be held on Monday, April 3, in the Maltings Centre at 7.30pm when Alton Local Food Initiative joins with Energy Alton to show a film ‘Project Wild Thing’ which looks at the importance of letting children explore and enjoy the outdoors.