Why are Seeds so Important to Us?

Seeds perform many functions- they feed us and other living things, seed plants are necessary for providing materials for the homes we build, the clothing we wear, the paper on which we write, and they filter the air we breathe. 

The definition of a seed is ‘the unit of reproduction of a flowering plant, capable of developing into another such plant’. But seeds represent so much more. They are a symbol of beginnings. They are beauty and a source of wonder. Seeds protect and sustain life and, above all else, they are a way of survival for their individual species- they are containers of embryonic plants, the embryos of a new generation.

Everything about seeds- their numbers, forms and structures- have a bearing on their main purpose, to ensure continuing life, not only their own, but on all life forms.

Seeds protect and sustain life. They are a symbol of potential, of optimism and of what can become.

Clive and Penny Blazey started the Diggers Club with the purpose to rescue the wonderful old varieties that mainstream companies were dropping from their list. The Diggers Club continues their legacy and are committed to preserving open pollinated, heirloom seed varieties to ensure diversity in edible and ornamental plants and maintain biological variation. As part of their mission, the Diggers Foundation protects heirloom seeds using research and education helping to secure a wider range of food and flowers for future generations. Seeds are our heritage and there should be no ownership of seed varieties, rather, they should for all to share.

Seeds represent the embodiment of everything that came before- connecting to past generations and to future generations. Through growth and education, we aim to empower others to be part of the seed saving journey. As gardeners we can each take our role in conserving our ornamental and edible heritage. 

With respect and gratitude, we hold the gift of a seed as a living treasure. There is dignity and value and worth in every single seed.

DIGGERS SAFE SEED PLEDGE

Seed are the basis on which lives depend.

We will promote their diversity and free availability.

We oppose genetically engineered seeds and fight all attempts to own or destroy our garden inheritance of open pollinated heirloom seeds.

We select and trial food and flowers which are best suited for home gardeners rather than those grown for commercial mass production.