Viridian Nutrition is working with the sustainable gardening charity Garden Organic to safeguard the future of a valuable herb.

Garden Organic is home to the National Collection of Comfrey (Symphytum). This Plant Heritage status gives recognition to the charity’s work in developing and preserving 30 varieties of the herb over several decades.

Viridian is sponsoring the continued growth of the collection at the charity’s home at Ryton Gardens, Coventry.

Holly Thallon Steenson, managing director at Viridian, said: “Viridian and Garden Organic share the same core principles of embracing organic growing by focusing on practices that enhance soil health and plant nutrition by avoiding, pesticides and synthetic chemicals.

“For Viridian, it’s important to help preserve this comfrey collection which has rightly so been placed in the charity’s care for many future generations to enjoy. We’re delighted to continue working with Garden Organic on this preservation programme.”

Corin Sadler, nutritional therapist at Viridian added: “Comfrey is a herb with a long history of use, topically for the skin. The herb is rich in allantoin which promotes wound healing by encouraging new cell growth. The botanical also contains rosmarinic acid which acts to reduce inflammation and has historically been used as a balm for damaged and sore muscles, sprains, ligaments and bones.”

For Garden Organic, comfrey is at the heart of the charity, which has been growing the herb throughout its 65-year history – well before being awarded National Collection status.

Comfrey has long been prized by gardeners for its valuable nutrients, which include nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, creating a natural organic fertiliser for many flowering and fruiting plants.

Emma O’Neill, head gardener at Garden Organic, said: “Comfrey is a gardener’s ally, not only providing a useful feed but also acting as a compost activator, mulch and pollinator attractant. Every garden should have one!”

Main image: Courtesy Garden Organic