New Community Seed Library Opens

Students, faculty, staff and Denton residents now have free access to seeds at the UNT Community Garden.
Installed Feb. 19, 2026, the new Community Seed Library operates on a simple “take some, leave some” model.
Visitors may take seeds they need and contribute extras from their own gardens. Seed offerings will rotate seasonally and may include vegetables, herbs, tea plants and native Texas species.

The structure was designed and built by a UNT student as part of an Art in Public class led by Alicia Eggert, associate professor of Studio Art: Sculpture in the College of Visual Arts and Design. Working within real-world budget and design constraints, students developed proposals for a permanent seed library for the Mean Green Community Garden. Garden and Facilities staff provided feedback throughout the process.
 
The winning design, created by Erin McSweeny, Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies major, was fabricated in CVAD’s wood and metal shops. The garden and UNT Facilities staff visited classes, provided feedback and evaluated the concepts based on design quality, feasibility and implementation. Brandon Lacy, the Campus Landscape Design Manager of Facilities Planning, Design and Construction, offered professional critiques prior to final presentations, facilitating a meaningful, career-relevant learning experience.
 
Designed for both function and visual impact, the apothecary-style cabinet features more than 20 drawers for seed storage and a foldout workstation. Murals on the exterior depict the “Three Sisters” — squash, beans and corn — as well as native Denton plants such as prickly pear cactus and American beautyberry traditionally grown together in Indigenous farming. The seed library supports campus sustainability efforts and encourages greater food independence and community connection.
 
The goal is simple: make it easier for students to grow their own food and connect with the campus community.
Seed offerings will change seasonally and may include vegetables, herbs, tea plants and native Texas species. Anyone can take seeds they need and contribute extras from their own garden.
 
To learn more about joining the Mean Green Community Garden or participating in workshops, visit the garden’s website here. Information about funding sustainability projects is available through the We Mean Green Fund website here.