Wildflower Gardens

Introduction

We often think of wildflowers as the plants that grow in prairies and meadows, however wildflowers can include the microscopic flowers of duck weed floating on ponds, to the large flowers of trees. Even grasses flower, so consider including some native grass species among your standard flowers to add some drama and variety.

Wildflowers

For generations humans have moved interesting flowers around the globe, but this has unfortunately lead to new, invasive species pushing local natives out of their habitats. This is a big problem when local pollinators have evolved to feed from and support those native species, as the often can't survive on the imported types. 

The Victorians brought many exotic flowers including pansies and other popular "cottage flowers" back from the Himalayan mountains, and these have become so common in British gardens, that most people just assume they are our native flowers! Meanwhile pollinator and other wildlife populations in the UK have crashed, and our country is now one of the most wildlife-depleted countries in Europe. 

Considerations for Success

Apps & Tools

Europe

UK

Guides & Resources 

Bee-Friendly Gardening

How-To: Seed Bombs

Maps

International

Europe

UK

Organizations

North America

Canada

USA

Grants & Funding

Europe

UK

National award schemes There are a number of key organisations offering grants and advice to community based projects e.g. 

North America

USA

Missouri

Oceana

Australia

Western Australia