East Malling Research’s Saturn apple variety has been chosen by the British Library for re-branding as its Tree of Knowledge. The development is in celebration of the library’s Writer in the Garden exhibition.

EMR and the library teamed up with Will Sibley Nurseries and Marshalls to supply the Tree of Knowledge to visitors who would like a long-term reminder of the exhibition.

Saturn was chosen as a suitable variety because it is easy to grow, and its high level of disease resistance, good fruit quality, compact habit and heavy cropping make it an ideal garden plant. The British Library intends to include the Tree of Knowledge in a garden to be planted in front of the King’s Cross, London library next year.

Mike Solomon, director of science at EMR said: "We are delighted to be part of this exciting collaboration that sees an East Malling variety chosen as the British Library Tree of Knowledge. The use of one of our varieties aptly reflects our historical and current remit as a knowledge-based organisation and we are confident that Saturn will make an excellent reminder of a visit to this very interesting Writer in the Garden exhibition."

The exhibition covers rich history of ideas associated with the garden from the Middle Ages to date. It is a free event and runs from 5 November 2004 until 10 April 2005 at the British Library.