Author: Claire Lucas

Heritage Seed Library workshop

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On 14th April we were delighted to welcome to the garden Lucy and Gisela from the Heritage Seed Library at Garden Organic. We learned so much about the project and how it works, a truly fascinating session.

Our attendees heard why heritage seeds are so important, how the project works, how people can get involved and so much more. There were some wonderful stories about seeds being donated to the project by people wanting to ensure those varieties do not die out. We also had the chance to sow our own little pot of heritage Red Orach seeds, whose progress we will be tracking. One attendee has already reported that their seeds have germinated!

We are so grateful to Lucy and Gisela for their excellent knowledge and expertise, and for taking the time to come and visit the garden, and of course to our own Sharon for her excellent organisation skills. Everyone had a great time!

Crowdfunder appeal launched

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At the end of March, strong overnight winds brought down a large tree situated just outside the garden’s perimeter fence, bringing down part of the fence and severely damaging a number of our raised beds.

These beds sit at the centre of our cut flower garden. They are our ‘shop window’ – the space that draws people in and reflects the life of the garden, and to lose them at the start of the growing season is particularly painful.

As an unexpected additional expense, it is vital that we raise additional funds to support the replacement of these damaged structures. We plan to replace them with frames made from recycled plastic, as these will last longer. We have therefore set up a Crowdfunder appeal to raise funds towards replacing the beds. If you feel you can help, we would be very grateful to receive any donations!

Crowdfunder Appeal

First volunteer training sessions a great success

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For the first time this year, we are dedicating training sessions to our volunteers, and where better to start than at the beginning of the growing process – sowing seeds?

In the last week of March 2026, two cohorts of enthusiastic volunteers received expert tuition from our Trustee Sharon Ross in the mysteries of seed sowing, concentrating on purple podded peas, sweet peas, basil, sunflowers and cosmos. They were also shown our new compost bins, and Chair of Trustees Steve Dent talked the attendees through how they would work, what could be composted, etc.

Further sessions will take place every month, in parallel with the development of the seedlings, so that volunteers are able to practise all the necessary techniques, from pricking out to potting on and eventually planting the young plants out into the garden, both under cover and in the open.

The sessions were very well received, and we look forward to seeing the fruits of the attendees’ labour later in the season!