Our volunteers consistently go above and beyond for the San José Public Library, and this month, we’re excited to spotlight someone who truly embodies the spirit of giving back by planting seeds of service that help our community grow.
Meet Monique
Monique, a Master Gardener, shares how her journey began at the San José Public Library and how she’s continued to inspire others with the belief that gardening is about more than just growing plants. For her, it’s a way to build community, foster resilience, and create meaningful connections.
Please tell us about yourself and how you got into volunteering at the library.
I was returning some books to the Willow Glen Library and looking for ways to stay involved in the community when I had a serendipitous moment—Yannina Yang, the librarian, mentioned they were hoping to start a seed library. With my background in natural sciences, program development and community outreach, it felt like a natural fit. On top of that, I am an active Master Gardener with UCANR of Santa Clara County, so I was immediately excited by the idea. It brought together so many things I care about—sustainability, education, and community access—right here in my own neighborhood. It really felt like the perfect intersection of my interests.
What is the Master Gardener Program?
The UC Master Gardener Program is made up of trained volunteers who love helping people garden successfully. We go through in-depth certified training through the UC Cooperative Extension, and in return, we give back to the community through education and outreach. It’s all about sharing scientifically sound advice. That might look like leading on-site workshops and tours in demonstration gardens, supporting school gardens, staffing the help desk, or partnering on projects like the Seed Library. What really matters is about passing along what we’ve learned to help others grow their own food, pest management, and create more resilient, beautiful spaces—while equally being mindful of how we care for our environmental resources along the way.
How do you use the Seed Library?
The Seed Library in Willow Glen is both a practical resource and a community-builder, which was launched in the fall of 2023. It’s where communities members donate seeds and receive seeds for free. By taking seeds, letting some plants grow to seed, and donating these seeds, the community develops a sustainable resource. I use the seed library to try new varieties I might not have thought of trying out—especially locally adapted or heirloom seeds. As the volunteer program lead, I also help maintain the library by identifying seeds appropriate for the season, updating labels, preparing information on plant care and culture, and creating seasonal displays to encourage participation. I’ve given talks on seed selection, saving techniques, storage, labeling—and, of course, seed sharing.
What talks and events were held relating to the Seed Library?
1.Getting Started with Seed Saving, Master Gardener Talk Planned with the launch of the Seed Library and incorporated in the Master Gardener Library Talk Series at Willow Glen Library
2. Willow Glen Library Seed Library - Getting Started with Seeds Talk, Willow Glen Garden Club
3. National Seed Swap Day at Willow Glen Library (annual event every January).
It’s a joy to guide someone through their first seed choice and to meet up with other volunteers who are just as excited to support the ever-so-popular WG Seed Library. We have volunteers who show up weekly to help package seeds, and their efforts have made a steady supply of seeds possible. A wide range of people participate—teachers, IT consultants, software engineers, high school graduates, and families spanning generations. Together, with support from the Friends of the Willow Glen Library, they’ve helped ensure that seeds are available to the community. It’s more than just taking seeds—it’s about sharing knowledge and nurturing growth.
Do you have any advice for those getting started with gardening?
Start small and focus on early wins! Pick a few easy-to-grow plants—like the perennial, native flower Lanceleaf Coreopsis, or, lettuce, radishes, or herbs—and give them a sunny spot with regular watering. Don’t worry about making mistakes; every plant challenge is a chance to learn. Gardening is all about observing and growing alongside your plants. And most importantly, it is an opportunity to connect with others who share your passion. Join local gardening clubs, attend seed swaps and Master Gardener events, like library talks or workshops— these gatherings events are great ways to share experiences, swap tips, and feel part of a supportive community. Gardening is more rewarding when you don’t do it alone.
Tell us about what you are growing this summer.
This summer, I’m growing culinary sage and expanding it throughout my rose bed. The soft, gray mounds create dreamy billows that blend beautifully with the existing plant palette. Sage not only looks good—it also functions as a living mulch and is low-water usage. Plus, I love having this versatile plant close at hand for adding a special flavor to summer drinks. I’m also experimenting with seed-saving techniques for cut flowers like scabiosa and rudbeckia, with the hope of returning viable seeds to the Seed Library this fall.
What’s your favorite plant if you could name just one?
I would have to say Licorice Mint, also known as Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), is my favorite. It is easy to grow and highly aromatic—but you won’t find it at the grocery store. The leaves and purple flowers have a sweet licorice flavor that reminds me of my father’s favorite candy. Plants have a way of connecting us to people and places—oftentimes there is a story behind every garden and shared seed. As part of my volunteer work leading up Garden-to-Glass collection at Martial Cottle Park Demonstration Gardens and Community Education Center, I recommend Licorice Mint to attract pollinators and add a flavorful touch to homemade drinks.
Anything else you’d like to share about gardening?
Gardening is about more than just plants—it’s about community, resilience, and connection. Whether you’re taking care of a pot on a balcony, a street strip, or a whole backyard, oftentimes there is a story. People come to gardening for different reasons—saving money, supporting pollinators, taking respite or connecting with ones heritage—and each takes away something unique. My advice? Keep gardening without worries—your garden will meet you where you are. Even the smallest seed can change how we see the world. As Gertrude Jekyll so beautifully wrote in her book Wood and Garden (1899), “The love of gardening is a seed that once sown never dies, but grows to the enduring happiness that the love of gardening gives.”
Find more Gardening Resources at SJPL!
- Seed Libraries: You can find free seeds in our Seed Libraries. Find a location near you!
- Nature & Gardening Events: Grow your love for gardening nature to the next level at these SJPL events. '
- Master Gardeners: Find the answers to your gardening questions!
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