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Post by andy on Oct 15, 2011 8:54:39 GMT
I've had an over grown bank at work where absolutely nothing of any interest grows. It is north facing and in deep shade. It also has 2 massive beech trees (estimated 150 years old) putting it in deeper shade and leaving the soil below very rich due to rotting leaves every year. And then, in a flash of inspiration, my boss suggested that whilst we have the mini digger in the garden doing some work, why not strip about 12" of the top soil off and replace it with chalk to create a downland area for wild flowers and hopefully some of the more unusual butterflies. So that's what they did. Working as a teacher in one of the secondary schools in Brighton is the head of the butterfly conservation trust (or something like that). Using his knowledge, we will be creating 5 sites throughout Brighton in order to encourage some of the rare species back into the city. One of the sites will be the rock garden where i work. Unfortuneately, my site is not exactly in a prime location, being dark and fairly sheltered from prevailing winds. However, we'll see what happens and as it's not a "traditional" downland area, we might be just a little bit suprised what comes up. So the chalk is in, next step is to sow a chalk meadow seed mix on the chalk and then top it up with plugs which are grown at the nursery by our wild flower expert. So here's where we're at now. More pics to follow  |
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Post by Ladygardener on Oct 15, 2011 9:40:02 GMT
It has the potential to look fantastic Andy, do keep us posted.  |
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Post by Jasmine on Oct 15, 2011 10:44:30 GMT
That's a great idea Andy.
I love the wild flowers we see when we go and visit my sister over in Wiltshire - it'll be interesting to see what you get.
I love those little harebells - don't get them here at all.
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Post by Jilly on Oct 15, 2011 11:38:03 GMT
What a great project Andy.
Do you know which flowers you'll be using, or is it a case of seeing what copes best with the conditions?
Jillyx
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Post by andy on Oct 15, 2011 13:02:32 GMT
I haven't a clue Jilly but im sure the wildflower bloke knows exactly what to do. I'm just watching and learning ;D
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Post by Tig on Oct 15, 2011 13:55:43 GMT
Marvellous project Andy, I'm all for anything that increases the feeding grounds for insect life (apart from mozzies & lily beetles which should all be exterminated permanently  ) Will it be mainly grasses do you think? Hope there are some poppies in the seed mix x Tig |
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Post by Chuckles on Oct 16, 2011 17:42:08 GMT
Thats looks amazing already Andy, can't wait to see it in bloom  |
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Post by Amber on Oct 16, 2011 17:47:28 GMT
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Post by Ladygardener on Feb 19, 2012 5:47:41 GMT
Sarah Raven would be proud of you Andy. ;D
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Post by andy on Feb 19, 2012 6:26:10 GMT
Who's Sarah Raven ?
The bank has been planted with different species from teasel to foxglove to birdsfoot trefoil to cowslip tp campions plus a bucket of seed was thrown ober the area...some of which have started to germinate already.
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Post by Rosefriend on Feb 19, 2012 6:27:00 GMT
Keep us up to date Andy - I am looking forward to see it in flower..
RF
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Post by Ladygardener on Feb 19, 2012 6:36:22 GMT
She's a gardener, she recently had a TV programme encouraging parks and gardeners to plant for birds butterflys and bees. |
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Post by Jasmine on Feb 19, 2012 7:36:05 GMT
Looking forward to seeing the bank in flower Andy.
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Post by carolann on Feb 19, 2012 9:42:41 GMT
Sounds like a great mix there Andy should be a riot of colour and wildlife.
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Post by Tig on Feb 19, 2012 9:59:41 GMT
Must admit that when I watched the programme I thought Andy was ahead of the game with his planting schemes from last year - he could have presented it instead of her Looking forward to seeing it come to fruition Andy x Tig |
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Post by Ladygardener on Feb 19, 2012 10:06:06 GMT
One of our beds in Botanic Gardens had bee and insect and butterfly planting last year and it was a great success. I'm hoping they'll do the same thing this year as it makes such a change from the very formal planting.
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Post by Auricula on Feb 20, 2012 13:47:22 GMT
Looking forward to seeing the results Andy |
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Post by JennyWrenn on Feb 22, 2012 7:05:40 GMT
Cant wait to see the results I just love wild flowers had a try at planting in my garden but the soil is clay and they dont really like it apart from dandelions  |
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