The Dominion Seed House business remained in the Bradley family until 1993, when it was sold to a Quebec firm and the property in Georgetown put up for sale. While the property was left fallow, it was evident that an abundance of perennials were still alive and well in the fields.

The local University Women's Club, seeing both the waste and the potential, organized a 'Dig Your Own Plant' sale in May 1996. This rescue mission struck a chord with gardeners across southern Ontario, who drove from as far away as Sarnia and North Bay, to rescue this heritage plant material.

The Club dedicated the approximately $40,000 in profits towards the establishment of a civic gardenon the site of the Dominion Seed House, and began lobbying the Town to endorse this concept. After extensive public consultation, Halton Hills Council approved a master plan for an 8 acre park which included a 2 acre civic garden.

It was understood throughout the process, that the Garden was to be largely a volunteer driven project. A steering committee of volunteers, was formed in 1997 and on January 20, 2000, The Friends of the Old Seed House Garden was officially launched. Memberships were sold and committees formed to tackle all of the many challenges.