A Nation of Growers
As a natural habitat, Britain is unique. Our climate is cool but temperate, with both alpine and marine regions. We have a number of micro-climates, and stretches of coastline washed by the Gulf Stream. Many of our gardens - as Beth Chatto has highlighted so eloquently - combine both wet and dry areas. With a little care we can, and do, grow virtually anything.
Our obsession with horticulture crosses all cultural boundaries, from cottage gardens to urban rooftops, from window boxes to stately homes. We have experts in exotic plants such as orchids and cacti. We have the allotment movement, the specialist nurseries and plant collectors, the 'largest vegetable' competitions and annual village flower shows.
But despite this thriving horticultural interest, our garden plant heritage is under threat.
The lost garden of Britain
British growers have a long history of collecting plant material from the wild and hybridising. In decades past, small independent growers would compile catalogues containing literally hundreds of garden plants.
Sadly, many of these are now lost for ever. And since many growers never recorded their work, we have also lost vital knowledge; a tantalising slice of social, cultural and horticultural history has simply died with them.
Why does this matter?
The loss of our garden plants is a loss on many levels:
Historical
Garden plants are inextricably bound up with our cultural and social history. The cottage garden, the allotment, the clipped formality of the stately home have been founded on 'old-fashioned' varieties such as old pinks, florists' violas, tulips, Malmaison carnations, auriculas, lilacs and phlox.
Horticultural
Besides conserving these treasures for their own value, it is vital to retain the old 'blood stock' in order to cultivate new varieties; for example, to breed in a particular colour, scent or disease resistance.
Pharmaceutical
We are still discovering the unique medical and chemical properties of certain plants.
Many more may have healing properties which have yet to be revealed, which makes it even more important to preserve these precious natural resources.
What can you do?
Join Plant Heritage, learn new skills such as propagation techniques, help with our research projects or give a Collection Holder a hand pruning. Run a website or a plant stall, or just enjoy our social events. There are so many ways to help ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the fruits of gardeners' efforts through the ages. Find your nearest Group in the search box on the right.