About Plant heritage
Plant Heritage: Conserving the Diversity of Garden Plants
Plant Heritage is a renowned garden plant conservation and research charity that has been working tirelessly to conserve the diversity of cultivated plants in the British Isles. The organization was founded in 1978 as the National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens, but it later changed its name to Plant Heritage in 2009.
The mission of Plant Heritage is to conserve cultivated plants that are at risk of extinction, promote their use and enjoyment, and encourage research into their biology, history, and cultural significance. The organization achieves this by maintaining a network of National Plant Collections®, which are living collections of plants that represent a particular genus or group.
Plant Heritage's work is vital because many garden plants have been lost over time due to changing fashions in gardening or neglect. Some species have also become extinct due to habitat loss or climate change. By conserving these plants, Plant Heritage ensures that they remain available for future generations to enjoy.
One way that Plant Heritage promotes the use and enjoyment of garden plants is through its annual plant exchange scheme. Members can exchange surplus seeds or cuttings with other members across the country, allowing them to expand their collections without having to purchase new specimens.
Another important aspect of Plant Heritage's work is education. The organization runs courses on plant propagation, identification, and cultivation techniques for both amateurs and professionals alike. It also produces publications on various aspects of gardening history and horticulture.
Plant Heritage's research activities focus on understanding more about cultivated plant species' biology so that they can be better conserved in the future. This includes studying how different varieties adapt to different growing conditions or how they respond to pests and diseases.
In addition to its conservation work within Britain's borders, Plant Heritage also collaborates with international organizations such as Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) on global initiatives aimed at conserving endangered plant species worldwide.
Overall, Plant heritage plays a crucial role in conserving the diversity of garden plants in the British Isles. Its work ensures that these plants remain available for future generations to enjoy and that their cultural significance is not lost. By promoting their use and enjoyment, educating people about them, and conducting research into their biology, Plant Heritage is making a significant contribution to the world of horticulture.