Adopt-a-Veg - with Garden Organic

Looking for a practical alternative gift that will give long lasting enjoyment as well as play its part in securing the future of important vegetable varieties?

• See the varieties here

Garden Organic's Adopt-a-Veg makes a great ethical gift for a loved one, friend or colleague, whilst also helping to secure the future of rare heritage varieties of vegetables.

Through its Heritage Seed Library Garden Organic works tirelessly to ensure that rare vegetable varieties, that were once mainstay of British gardens, don't disappear forever. And by giving an Adopt-a-Veg gift you will be playing your part.

Garden Organic is offering four varieties that you can help to protect. Simply decide on the variety you would like to adopt, then either click the 'Adopt me' button below or telephone us on 02476 308 210. We can then either deliver the gift pack to you for passing on or we can send it directly to the intended recipient.

What is in the gift pack?

Packet of adopted veg seeds – Grow and enjoy the varieties unique look, taste and texture.

Letter – Information on the history and characteristics of the chosen variety.

Certificate – Presentation certificate along with an image of a fully-grown specimen.

Available varieties (with seeds)

Climbing French Bean - 'District Nurse'
An elderly lady in Cardiff gave these beans to our donor, Anita Bourne's step-daughter, who is a district nurse. Anita comments “A delightful bean! Pretty lilac flowers are followed by dramatically coloured pods, green splashed with navy blue.”

“Delicious when young, but remain tender for a good length of time.” says Seed Guardian Matthew Goodyear. Seed Guardians appear to experience very few pest and disease problems with this variety.

Pea 'Robinson'
Donated by Michael Stanley from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, who had been growing it on his farm since the 1950s. A Mr Robinson originally gave him the seed also from Leicestershire, who had acquired them in Scotland.

A favourite amongst exhibitors for its long, slim, slightly curved pods with pointed tips. Extraordinarily sweet, they retain their flavour when a little over-mature or when frozen. HSL Member Mrs Harrington states “in my opinion this is the star of the Heritage Collection.”

Mangel 'Yellow Intermediate'
Mangel Worzels have a history in England of being used for sport (mangold hurling) and for celebration (mangold lanterns at Punkie Night in Somerset.) This variety is a French heirloom from the 1800s.

The yellow/orange-skinned roots have a sweet white flesh and the leaves make an excellent chard-like steamed green. Seed Guardian Anne Wheldon gives them her “special commendation, but they could do with a more inspiring name!”

Tomato 'Tiger Tom'
Martin Crees donated this variety to HSL in 1980 after sending for seeds from John Woolf, Devon in 1979. Suttons had also supplied it commercially.

Seed Guardian Eluned Paramor says, “Remains No 1 tomato for flavour! juicy, sharp and sweet at the same time. Take out the seeds and stuff it with cream cheese.” The medium-sized fruit are both attractive and delicious. Can be grown indoors, but produces better yields outside.

Garden Organic has a long list of Heritage Seed varieties, all of which are available for adoption, some with excellent names that make great quirky gifts.

Why not give someone a 'Bonny Lad', or 'Dragons Tongue', maybe the 'Lazy Housewife' is more fitting!

Unfortunately due to low seed numbers we are unable to provide seeds or a variety photo as part of the Gift Pack for these varieties. The recipient will though still receive a letter with information on the variety as well as a certificate confirming the adoption.

See the list of other varieties here