" If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness ... " Therese of Lisieux
There is little doubt that wildflowers are "in". Some statistics though about wildflowers and wildflower meadows, it is not good news. In the UK Kew Gardens report that we have lost 97% of uk wildflower meadows since the 1930s. If it were the loss of aesthetic matters relating to that such as beauty and harmony it would be bad but of course it is also the loss of the shelter and food for pollinators like bees and the creatures that eat pollinators too. Birds, hedgehogs and bat are endangered too The development of land for housing and changes to farming methods are the most important reasons for wildflower meadow decline. But there is also another reason, albeit smaller, and it might be a little uncomfortable to take it in, gardeners and home owners. The later in modern times are more likely to have decorative plants chosen for colour and their beauty that do not attract pollinators. Hedges, grasses and native flowers are less on trend Of course the increasing awareness of the wildflower decline is spurring many to plant them and community groups and organisations are being formed to grow and sustain wildflowers. Local authorities are getting in on the act by reducing the frequency of roadside, verge, park and open spaces cuttings. This is not popular with everyone and some folk like to be tidy but there is certainly room for compromise here by not cutting everything back. And that is what is happening I am going to point out a couple of examples of Lancing wildflower areas. It would be lovely if you can let me know about more Inside the Lancing Manor allotments a number of plot holders spent the Spring clearing an area and planting it with wildflowers. It looks spectacular and everyone is appreciating it, especially the pollinators The community group Keep Lancing Lovely recently won an award for their two wildflower gardens at Lancing Railway station It gets better, The Adur and Worthing Wildflower Trail, a community led programme set up by Adur and Worthing Councils goes from strength to strength as it encourages more though and action about wildflower areas https://www.thewildflowertrail.org Want to plant up some wildflowers? There are suppliers of wildflower turf online here is a good example https://www.wildflowerlawnsandmeadows.com and to grow your own wildflowers here are some suppliers https://www.wildflower.co.uk/products/wildflower-seed-mixtures/100-wildflower-seed-mixtures/ https://www.livemoor.co.uk/products/livemoor-wild-flower-meadow-seeds-help-save-the-uk-bee-population?variant=12776758181976
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AuthorI launched this website on 16th August 2020 to bring together my thoughts on gardening,, its importance for health and wellbeing and two projects running concurrently, a renovation of my own garden on the West Sussex coast at Lancing and a nearby allotment. But also to learn from other gardeners about the inspirations for their plots, about their gardening projects and enjoyment of beautiful plants and gardens Archives
February 2024
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