Best and honest seeds

Description

Ancient wisdom informs First Nations' caretaking of country. Indigenous survival has always depended on finding water, food, and shelter in harsh and challenging landscapes. Aboriginal traditions of looking after country have been carefully constructed over tens of thousands of years, with rules based on observation, knowledge-sharing, and a large degree of cooperation.  Early white settlers also faced survival challenges, but their strategies were very different. For a start, colonial expansion was based on clearing space through felling and fencing, not living with the environment as it was.  

The newcomers were accustomed to cultivating gardens, parks, and farms rather than hunting, foraging and controlled burning of bushland. Most foods were not gathered but home-grown or imported. Seeds and plant cuttings were carried with them from Britain or acquired at ports along the way, laying the foundations for local food production. Nurseries soon sprang up, providing settlers with vegetables, plants, gardening tools and expertise.

As food production became more reliable, horticultural shows became a regular occurrence.  Experiments with fruit and vegetables produced some excellent results. The cultivation of flowers increased, and native flora became a recognised category. But competition across all sections could be fierce. Deep and bitter rivalries were sparked as home gardeners and horticulturalists vied for prestige and economic opportunity. 

Join us as we explore some of the plants, people and politics that helped shape South Australia's first decades of European settlement. 

Image: J.B. Hack's farm at Echunga Springs, watercolour. SLSA: PRG 50/34/2

FAQs

How do I get to the State Library by public transport?

The 'State Library, Art Gallery, Museum' tram-stop is just outside the State Library. There are bus stops close by, near the War Memorial on North Terrace. The closest train station is the Adelaide city station on North Terrace.

You can plan your journey via Adelaide Metro.

Is there car parking near the State Library?

The nearest car park is Wilson's Adelaide Central car park, 225 North Terrace, next to David Jones.

There is paid street parking along Kintore Ave and Victoria Drive.

Where is the wheelchair and stroller access?

Access to the Spence Wing first floor and the Mortlock Chamber is via the lift in the glass foyer entrance of the library.

Access to the Institute Building is via the external ramp on the Kintore Ave entrance or via the internal ramp between the Institute Building and the Spence Wing (opposite the Treasures Wall).

There is on-street accessible parking available close to the State Library. View more information and maps of City of Adelaide's Accessible parking options.

How do I check if the Mortlock Chamber is open when I plan to visit?

The Mortlock Chamber may close for private events, check our opening hours for any closure times.

When it is open you can visit the Mortlock Chamber on the ground floor to look at the exhibition bays. The upper levels of the Mortlock Wing include study areas.

Is there a cafe at the State Library?

Yes, the Library Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

Find out more about the cafe and resident organisations at the State Library.