This workshop outlined the principles and practical techniques for creating and maintaining wildflower meadows from small garden plots to larger community projects.
It identified the difference between annual displays and long term perennial meadows, also it listed some of the species of suitable plants and outlined the importance of taking into account the aspect and fertility of the site.
Bob Bilson showed examples of the different types of wild flowers that can be grown at any scale from tubs to large fields. He emphasised the importance of soil preparation and how the plants can be grown from seed saved from other local meadows. Various seed suppliers were provided all of which are an important source of information and advice. He also described a successful project he carried out with the local primary school where the children counted and identified bumble bees on flowers in the school allotment.
Peter Christopher demonstrated some of the clearing and planting techniques used in creating a meadow.
Our next online workshop will focus on winter gardening tasks and will take place in November – you can book now here.
References:
Plantlife advice on how to grow a wildflower meadow: https://plantlife.love-wildflowers.org.uk/wildflower_garden/how_to_grow_a_wildflower_meadow/
A Buzz in the Meadow by Dave Goulson – eminently readable natural history of a meadow restoration
Scotia seeds. Native seeds for annual and perennial meadows
https://www.scotiaseeds.co.uk/
info@scotiaseeds.co.uk
Celtica Wildflowers – based in Perthshire, supplies wildflower plug plants grown organically in peat-free compost.
Pictorial Meadows. Non native seeds for annual and grass-free perennial meadows
https://www.pictorialmeadows.co.uk/
info@pictorialmeadows.co.uk
Cotswold seeds. For larger quantities of perennial seed mixtures with fine grasses from a company who supply farmers. https://www.cotswoldseeds.com/
Blooms for bees bumble bee indentification app. http://www.bloomsforbees.co.uk/
An excellent source of further info and advice can be found on the RHS website. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants
This workshop series is an informal collaboration between a number of local community food growers in response to increased demand for growing advice under covid-15 lockdown, including Edible Campus (Transition University St Andrews), Yellow Wellies Garden, Strathkinness Community Garden, Ninewells Community Garden, PLANT’s Tayport Community Garden. We would welcome any other contributors, please get in touch with Kaska on blog@tayportgarden.org.
