Join Us: How to Get Involved

Growing wildflowers is something everyone can get involved in and it’s a great way to give back to nature, as it provides more food for pollinators like bees, butterflies and other insects.

 

Join our campaign to help raise awareness of the value of native wildflowers and the species that rely on them.

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How to grow wildflowers – getting prepared

Before you start sowing the seeds of your wildflower haven, there are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration: 
 

Finding the right spot: Wildflowers love the sun, so whether you’ll be growing yours inside or outside, pick an area that has a plenty of sunlight to ensure that they can thrive.

Soil quality: Native wildflowers, like primrose and cowslip, bloom best in nutrient-poor soils, so you’ll want to reduce the soil fertility before planting seedlings or sowing seeds for your wildflower garden. To do this, just remove the top layer of soil, or if you want to use your lawn, mow the grass and remove the clippings.

Picking the right seeds: When it comes to picking the right wildflower seeds, you’ll want to do your research. For beginners, why not opt for the ox-eyed daisy, yarrow or cornflower? These species of wildflowers are easy to grow from seed and are the perfect pollinators for bees and butterflies. Plus, you can enjoy them from early spring to late autumn. Remember to use only UK species to help support as much of our native wildlife as possible. Certain pollinators need UK wildflowers to survive and introducing non-native wildflowers can lead to other species out-competing local wildflowers. 

How to rewild smaller spaces

Not everyone has access to a garden space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow your own mini meadow. Bring the outside in and give your Botanica candle jar a new life by reusing it as a planter for your windowsill. Alternatively, a regular plant pot with drainage holes will do. Just follow these steps to grow wildflowers in pots and create your own mini meadow: 

1. Melt any left-over wax with warm water and clean thoroughly.

2. Create a drainage layer with pebbles or small stones to prevent root rot before filling the jar or pot with soil.

3. Place your native seeds on the soil and cover with a thin layer of soil. 

4. Put your jar or pot in a sunny spot on your windowsill and water regularly. 

5. When your seeds have outgrown the planter, replant them in a larger pot and start again

Not content with a window ledge? You can always apply for an allotment plot if you want additional space. This will allow you to create a wonderful habitat for wildlife, with the bonus of getting you outside and connecting with nature. 

How to grow a mini meadow

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden at your disposal, you can introduce wildflowers to your outdoor space in a variety of ways. You can rewild as little as one square foot of your garden and support your local wildlife – although, the larger the area, the greater the benefit. Here’s how to create a habitat in a smaller space: 

 

1. Remove the top layer of soil to get to the low-quality soil which wildflowers thrive in. 

2. Take your UK native seeds and place them on the soil and cover with a thin layer of soil. 

3. If you’re transforming an area on your lawn, spread some yellow rattle seeds while you’re sowing your wildflower seeds. It’ll stop your grass from growing and give your wildflower habitat a better chance of flourishing.

4. Water the area regularly until you see seedlings. 
 

If you don’t want to use your lawn, you can follow the same steps above for raised flower beds, window boxes, plant pots – or get in touch with your local council and community groups to find local green spaces to plant your wildflowers. 

Build your own bee bath

Growing your own wildflower meadow is a wonderful way to help bees. Did you know that hardworking bees and other insects are responsible for the pollination of nearly three-quarters of the food we eat?

 

Gathering pollen isn’t easy, so a little bee oasis in your garden could be just what they need to recharge, providing them with a place to land, relax, take a drink and go about their day. Here’s how you can build your own bee bath: 

1. Get a shallow dish like a plate or saucer.
 

2. Add marbles or small rocks to your saucer – these act as islands for bees to land on while they drink so they don’t drown.

3. Place in a shaded spot near your meadow. 

4. Fill with fresh water daily. 

It doesn’t take much to make a difference. And whether you’re spoilt for choice with outdoor space or making the most of a window ledge or balcony, shaping a little patch of wilderness is easy. Get started now to create a wonderful wildflower sanctuary that not only looks beautiful but supports the species that desperately need them. 

 

Want to find out how you can support more iconic species around the world? Find out how you can take action for the planet at wwf.org.uk.

Sources

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=436 

https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/20-uk-native-wildflowers-to-grow/

https://www.worldbeeday.org/en/about/the-importance-of-bees.html/  

https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/three-ways-of-planting-wildflowers/

https://www.wildflower.co.uk/wildflower-advice/why-are-wildflowers-important

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