Saving Seeds

Last week Thursday I left Belfast for Scariff, Co. Clare for my initiative week. I spent time volunteering with Irish Seed Savers Association weeding, replacing beds, building a cob house, planting and hosting about 200 people for biodiversity day. If I were to describe my experience there in two words it would be wholesome and organic.
I felt lucky to be there during biodiversity day and during a time when they were building the cob house. I learned many new things about apple trees including how to graft a tree and make root stock. We also had discussions about weeding including which plants contribute to the tree and which do not, and philosophical questions arose among the staff about how to speak about disease and health within the orchards. My hands were dirty and the work took place within good company.
The organization is a small, grass roots initiative. Currently they hold the largest seed bank in the Republic of Ireland and sell plants and seeds to Irish gardeners in order to prevent extinction of native species. I first learned about Irish Seed Savers from an inspirational book called The Death of Life: The Horror of Extinction by Sean McDonagh. More about Irish Seed Savers Association can be read on their website: http://www.irishseedsavers.ie/ The experience was well worth it and left me with many good memories.