Vlada’s Seeds of Life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering community-driven gardening initiatives, is taking bold strides in expanding its successful “Little Sprouts” project beyond Los Angeles County. This initiative, which has already brought the joy of seed planting to countless individuals, is now poised to make a significant impact in cities across the United States.
What is Little Sprouts?
The “Little Sprouts” project aims to empower communities by providing free seed packets to libraries, community centers, and other public spaces. The goal is to give people—especially those with limited access to gardening resources—the opportunity to grow their own plants, vegetables, and herbs. By donating seeds, Vlada’s Seeds of Life not only encourages healthy eating but also nurtures a sense of connection to nature and sustainability.
The program has been thriving in Los Angeles County, where seeds are now available in numerous libraries, making it accessible to a wide demographic. The success of this initiative in California has inspired Vlada’s Seeds of Life to replicate this model in other major cities, starting with New York.
Expanding to New York
Recently, Vlada Vladic, the founder of Seeds of Life, traveled to New York where she met with Melissa Scheurer, the Supervising Librarian at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library to bring the “Little Sprouts” initiative to the East Coast. The nonprofit is on mission to forge a close partnership with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, part of the renowned New York Public Library system. Together with Supervising Librarian Melissa Scheurer, the organization is working on introducing Little Sprouts to New Yorkers, beginning with this iconic library location.
“We are incredibly excited to bring this initiative to New York, a city known for its diverse communities and vibrant cultural landscape,” said Vlada, the founder of Seeds of Life. “Public libraries are ideal locations to reach individuals from all walks of life, and we believe that gardening can be a transformative experience for people of all ages.”
The goal is to have seed packets available in some of the New York City public libraries by spring of 2025, making it easier for residents to engage with the natural world. The collaboration with the New York Public Library marks a critical milestone in this mission, as it sets the stage for further growth throughout the city and beyond.
The Vision for the Future
New York is just the beginning. As the project gains momentum in the Big Apple, Vlada’s Seeds of Life is already planning to expand to other major U.S. cities. Communities across the country will soon have access to free seeds in their local libraries, providing an accessible and inclusive way for everyone to explore gardening, whether they have a backyard or a small apartment balcony.
Vlada’s Seeds of Life envisions a future where urban spaces are not just concrete jungles, but vibrant ecosystems that nourish and connect individuals through the simple act of planting a seed. The organization’s efforts are a testament to the power of grassroots movements in transforming communities and promoting sustainable living.
A Growing Community
The success of Little Sprouts isn’t just about seeds—it’s about growing a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about cultivating a more sustainable, mindful way of life. By partnering with libraries, Vlada’s Seeds of Life is ensuring that the initiative is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic background. The organization hopes to inspire a new generation of gardeners who will carry forward the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
With the Little Sprouts program now expanding nationwide, it’s clear that the seeds Vlada’s Seeds of Life is planting today will grow into a lasting legacy, one that will bear fruit for years to come.
Stay tuned as more cities are added to the list, and join Vlada’s Seeds of Life in cultivating a greener, more connected world.