Our Heritage Seed Library, works tirelessly to conserve the UK’s vegetable heritage, protecting our rich organic diversity for future generations.

We undertake targeted activities to protect diversity and encourage seed conservation.

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The National Heritage Garden at Le Manoir

The National Heritage Garden at Le Manoir is run in partnership with Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library (HSL) and was opened by Michelin Starred Chef, Raymond Blanc, in June 2014, to showcase rare heritage vegetables from the Heritage Seed Library.

Seed saving

 We have produced comprehensive Seed Saving Guidelines that are freely available and we carry out Seed Saving Courses twice a year at Ryton Organic Gardens. We also provide a number of useful resources and website links to support seed saving.

Seed Swaps

 Seed swaps are where people come together to exchange seeds. We attend several seed swaps each year where people can obtain some of our varieties to try and to save for the following year.

Protecting plant heritage

 It is becoming increasingly clear that our plant heritage – and organic growing principles – are under threat, principally but not exclusively, from regulation and big business. Garden Organic actively lobbies and campaigns internationally on behalf of organic and heritage principles, and has had many successes – but with much work still to do.

Come and visit our organic garden

 Ryton Organic Gardens

 Work began on our new garden in early Spring 2020 with plans to open in the Summer, however, due to the pandemic development of the garden was delayed. Our organic demonstration garden is now open to members and visitors for pre-booked tours. Our garden features several unique areas including a large glasshouse and polytunnel, a four-bed veg garden following a crop rotation, a no-dig system trial area, and a container garden space.

 Our organic garden is bursting with ornamental plants and flowers and an array of seasonal fruits and vegetables including some more unusual varieties. A large proportion of our vegetables are varieties selected from the Heritage Seed Library – it really is a must-see for any gardener.

Welcome from our Head Gardener Emma O’Neill

 Emma, alongside the dedication of her team and volunteers, has created a thriving and inspiring organic demonstration that continues to evolve.

 Emma first studied horticulture at Pershore College in 2001. She has been gardening professionally since 2003 and has worked in a variety of different sites from National Trust to large private estates. She writes for Grow Your Own magazine and contributes to other publications regularly. Her passion is herbaceous perennials and all things floral but is always willing to try her hand at growing unusual vegetables organically.