I’m in two minds about the current trend amongst city councils to plant beds of wildflowers in local parks. I’m told that the seed mixes are often imported from Europe because they’re cheaper, so they’re not necessarily flower species that would grow naturally in the local area. It seems a token gesture on the part of councils rather than any kind of commitment to the environment. On the other hand, I can’t help but enjoy the colourful flowers, and the insects also seem to benefit from them. What do you think?
earthstar 
I guess a lot of it comes down to sustainability and maintenance – I suspect that using non-natives will mean such areas will probably need re-seeding each year and that variety will be lost as the natural balance natives achieve won’t happen.
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You’re right – they do need re-seeding each year, partly because they’re not managed correctly. It’s such a waste.
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It’s a shame they don’t start by leaving areas to themselves for a season or two to see what appears naturally and take it from there. There’s so much advice available from organisations such as Plantlife, why they don’t consult is beyond me!
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Exactly. I know the local Plantlife people and have previously had a moan to Colin about councils. They are making contact with such bodies … but it’s a long slow process and they’re reliant on grants and donations, of course. 🙂
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I worry that it gives some wrong impression about natural wild areas when some compare them – I know the difference but its hard getting the idea across sometimes
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I agree. There’s just no substitute for real wildflower meadows, and they can be small enough to fit in urban settings.
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I think the following paragraph by Plantlife probably sums it up well:
“Creating wildflower habitats using seed mixes can have an important role to play, particularly in urban areas and places devoid of a seed bank or wildflower habitat in relatively close proximity. However, as a conservation action in semi-natural habitats, though providing a hit of colour and pollen, seed-packet habitats are the equivalent of drinking a fizzy energy drink, rather than eating a balanced diet for long-term health. They do not tackle the real problem of declining local plant diversity and habitat degradation which could be fixed by changing the way we manage the land.”
http://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/our-work/campaigning-change/keeping-wild-wildflower
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That’s perfect. Thanks for sharing, Jon. 🙂
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