The wildflower garden that the West SusCo team created at FSC Start Bay Centre has now fully taken shape. The first flowers have fully burst into life and it is an exciting mix of what was there before, and the seeded annuals provided by the Grow Wild team at Kew Gardens. Hopefully this will engage discussion with all ages on the various merits and downsides of both annual wildflower mixes and naturally ‘wild’ areas.
Wildflowers in bloom: Corn Chamomile, Field Poppy, Corn Marigold, Cornflower, Corncockle, Red Campion, Betony
Still to bloom: Knapweed, Cowslip, Musk mallow, oxeye, selfheal, yarrow
What was there previously: Wood avens, Hemlock, various docks, lords and ladies
Thank you for all of those involved with preparing the plot, digging, watering, monitoring and even just admiring it taking shape over the last few months. It is very exciting to see it almost there (the Grow Wild team suggest that the 28th of July will be perhaps the peak this year).
FSC Slapton Ley hopes that staff can use this space to encourage visiting schools, holiday groups and self-catering groups to make their own wildlife friendly zone.
Andrew Mackay will be arranging a ‘seed collection’ day in late Autumn. If any of you are interested in this please email him.