Black Knight

A  black-seeded Runner Bean variety donated by G.H. Callaghan of Leicester. He bought it in the early 60s and has saved seed of it ever since, sharing it with his friends. He describes it as "a lovely, fleshy bean of good length and quality, not stringy".

Nardello

Donated by member Lila Towle, this is a true Italian heirloom Pepper grown by the Nardello family since the 19th century. The Nardellos took the pepper seeds with them when they emigrated to the USA in 1887, and when Jimmy Nardello (grandson of the original Nardellos) passed away in 1983 a small amount were donated to the Seed Savers Exchange. Produces a large number of slender, twisted fruits, slightly fatter than chillies. They  have a pungent taste when green, becoming very sweet when red. Perfect for roasting, frying or making pasta sauce. Guardian Jo White agrees, and adds, "this is a curious pepper that likes heat. The peppers are large for the plant, about 4in long and curl over like a pigs tail".

Pilot

Also know as 'Benefactor', Essex Star', 'Leader'. A Pea, first introduced by E W King's Seeds in 1905, it was hailed as "the largest podded early pea in cultivation; very hardy, and may be sown in autumn". It was passed to Garden Organic's Heritage Seed Library by King's when they decided that they would no longer maintain the variety. It has since been dropped from the National List. Produces compact plants (90cm-1m) with white flowers followed by a good crop of flavoursome peas.

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This Tomato variety produces leafy plants followed by an abundance of small, pale yellow tomatoes that border on the translucent. A really interesting version of a national favourite.

Seed Guardian, and former Head of Garden Organic's Heritage Seed Library, Katie Butler describes them as "the most vigorous and leafy tomato I have ever grown".