Wildflower seeds

[ian_g]

Since both my partner and I developed a major enthusiasm for wildflowers, we have talked about possibly allotting a section of our garden to solely grow wildflowers.

Obviously it's against the law to uproot any wildflower (as tempting as it may be!) so therefore we're looking to find a reputable supplier of seeds so we can start our little project. Do any of you know which is the best place to go? Is there a company online or would you steer clear of that?

We're looking for a wide selection that grows readily in any given habitat.

Thanks,
Ian G

[Alan]

Some ideas here:

http://www.wildlife-gardening.org.uk/Default.htm

http://www.wildlife-gardening.co.uk/index.htm

[May]

I found this website a short while ago - http://www.wildflowers.co.uk/index.html

I couldn't vouch for their reputation as I have never used them, they sell in huge quantities you see, but the site is divided according to particular areas in the garden - shady, sun what have you.

But whilst shopping I did pick up two packets of seeds, one was a wildflower mix and the other a wildlife mix.

[ian_g]

Great stuff. Many thanks for your help. I'd obviously rather use somewhere that someone can give positive feedback on. The sites you have both directed me to seem very good indeed. The good thing about our garden is that it has a good divide of both sun and shade so I'm hoping we shouldn't have too many problems.

Thanks, Ian

[eeyore]

We generally use the emoresgate seed company, www.wildseeds.co.uk who are excellent. I have planted upwards of 3 ha of wildflower meadow this year so please feel free to ask me for advice if you need it either by post or pm - or phone if you pm me a phone number.

[ian_g]

Okay, thanks so much for that Eeyore, shall take you up on the offer - just need to decide where in the garden these flowers will go

As a matter of interest, will you introduce yourself as Eeyore when you phone and should I answer by welcoming you to Pooh Corner?

Ian G

[ian_g]

Sorry, had to post this message so that my tally is 300

Ian G

[Chalk Downlanders]

Nice one Ian. I would love to have a garden to plant up as a reserve. When you get it established, I'm sure your local rangers would be only too pleased to let you harvest a few seeds to enritch your wild patch.

Kev

[Alan]

I think it may be a good idea to point out that it's best to match the wildflowers you use to your areas particular habitat. Not only will they grow better, but will reinforce/help your areas particular flora and fauna, which may well be unique! Even if you are in the centre of town in my opinion this is a good idea. Just have a walk around the surrounding countryside to see what is growing naturally.

[ian_g]

There's actually an abundance of wildflowers close-by Alan, am rather amazed as to just how many actually. The great think is, is where we live, we're very close to shoreline, thickets, meadowland and woodland. I don't know enough as to how far certain flora/fauna will travel to an allotted area but I'm sure that with the help of people on this forum, we'll get the mix right

I always thought that Bolton (where I'm originally from) had an abundance of wildlife but the variety I have encountered down here is more than comparable

Ian G