Wildflowers (not wild flowers)
Another example of our local council seeding roadside verges with wildflowers. Sounds, and looks, great. Not everyone is happy though. In some cases the seed mixes have contained non-native species, some of which can become invasive. If the non-native flowers cross pollinate they will pollute the genetic diversity. They can also affect the ecosystem by flowering at different times, impacting the insect population. And if they don't self seed successfully next year then there will be carbon cost consequences with the council having to re-seed annually. Every silver lining has a cloud it would seem. In the meantime I'm going to enjoy them.
Wildflowers (not wild flowers)
Another example of our local council seeding roadside verges with wildflowers. Sounds, and looks, great. Not everyone is happy though. In some cases the seed mixes have contained non-native species, some of which can become invasive. If the non-native flowers cross pollinate they will pollute the genetic diversity. They can also affect the ecosystem by flowering at different times, impacting the insect population. And if they don't self seed successfully next year then there will be carbon cost consequences with the council having to re-seed annually. Every silver lining has a cloud it would seem. In the meantime I'm going to enjoy them.