Plant conservation
From allotments to plant nurseries, annual flower shows to large vegetable competitions, it’s clear to see Britain’s interest in horticulture is in full bloom.
Yet despite the thriving interest, our garden plant heritage is under threat according to the NCCPG (National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens).
The problem stems from a change in plant marketing and production costs back in the 1970’s, when many nurseries were forced to cut the breadth of stock offered in their catalogues.
Plant variety in Britain consequently dwindled, and a lack of awareness led to many rare species dying out completely. Rare plants and flowers will continue to be lost unless they can be redistributed and grown by as many people as possible.
The NCCPG aims to encourage the conservation of these endangered species, carrying out important research as well as educating the public as to how they can help.
At the heart of the organisation’s work is the National Plant Collections Scheme, where individuals undertake the preservation of a particular group of plants on a voluntary basis.
Anybody can become a collection holder provided they have the necessary facilities – and the time to dedicate to the cause. If you are interested in becoming a collection holder, visit the NCCPG web site for more details.
There are other ways in which members of the public can help. Look out for rare plants, especially those listed on the NCCPG’s Pink Sheet. The Pink Sheet details plants that are considered rare, endangered or even lost.
If you were to come across one of the listed plants, it should be treated with care and given to friends so that they too can grow it. An ideal way of reintroducing a plant is to put it on the NCCPG plant exchange.
The plant exchange allows gardeners to offer each other rare plants and flowers which may otherwise be difficult to obtain. The scheme can help plants recover in number and potentially flourish in Britain once more – while the growers get a sense of true satisfaction and a garden brimming with beautiful, treasured plants.
Useful sites
www.nccpg.com
Related articles
Butterfly gardening
Organic gardening
Wildlife gardens
|
Affinity Groups 
