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UK gardeners have a key role in maintaining the link with natural world and it is vital for them to "sow the seed for future generations", according to HRH The Prince of Wales, in an exclusive feature for Gardeners' World magazine. Writing in the magazine's 20th anniversary edition, The Prince of Wales talks of his influences and passion for gardening, environmental convictions, the role gardeners can play in being "the change you want to see in the world" and his hopes for a gardening legacy.

According to His Royal Highness: "The garden is an expression of what I hold dear – an essential harmony and connection with nature…We are planting for the future, so that those who come after us can reap the benefit of what has been planted." In the article The Prince of Wales talks about the scepticism that initially greeted his organic approach: "When it became known that I was gardening 'organically', there was much conjecture as to whether I was in my right mind or not….. it is perhaps no longer thought of as quite such an 'alternative' and cranky approach."

He advises gardeners to encourage wildlife: "Encourage and enjoy the biodiversity and the garden becomes the balanced entity that we are looking for on a far larger scale in the world."

On gardening and the environment he writes: "Gardeners can be key players in addressing environmental issues as many have a wealth of knowledge about the natural world, are connected through their gardens with Nature."

His Royal Highness urges the nation to take up the cause of growing their own fruit and vegetables: "It is so encouraging to see the number of people starting to grow their own food, whether in their gardens, allotments or containers. Although this will not resolve the problem of food security, it does start the process of individuals thinking locally and encouraging social networks, which are important for community cohesion." He continues: "For those who have not yet been caught by the desire to grow, it is for us gardeners to encourage and guide and assist…We must sow the seed for future generations, since many children no longer know where food comes from and how it is produced."

On his gardening legacy at Highgrove he writes: "Highgrove may encourage people to garden in a sustainable and environmentally sound way; which is in harmony with Nature…and maybe for those who never gardened, provides inspiration to show what can be done in a mere few decades."

The full feature appears in March's Gardeners' World magazine, on sale now, priced at £3.70.

NOTES TO EDITORS
The full feature appears in the March issue 10th anniversary issue of Gardeners' World magazine. Any use of words from the feature must be credited to Gardeners' World magazine in the first three paragraphs.

About Gardeners' World magazine
Gardeners' World magazine is the market-leading gardening title, providing readers with key practical advice and tips on gardening. It has a circulation of 212,439 (ABC figures July-Dec10).

Toby Hicks