Welsh gardeners could get new varieties

Welsh gardeners could get new varieties

» 22nd February 2010 «

Welsh gardeners could soon get their hands on some rare local seeds as part of a collection programme set up by the Dyfi Valley Seed Savers.

The aim of the project is to collect as many heirloom varieties as possible in order to create a stock big enough for redistribution through the mainstream market, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) revealed.

A number of seeds have fallen out of circulation and only grow in certain areas and soils, but the initiative hopes to re-establish old favourites passed down through the generations.

"The risk you take is that when you buy a packet of seeds that are not from your area they may not thrive where you live," said Claire Rydwen, who is running the scheme.

"Getting local-bred seed cuts down on the trial and error."

Plants such as the Melbourne Mini - a climbing bean which has been growing on a single allotment since the 1970s - will be trialled at a number of Welsh gardens before being offered to the public through Garden Organic's seed exchanges.

In other news, the RHS recently revealed that a plant once thought to be extinct has burst into bloom at an Irish horticultural attraction.