MEMBER NEWS
How to choose the right wildflowers with Green-tech
Harrod UK strengthens its stylish Southwold Collection with new additions for 2021
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ildflower meadows have been in decline for decades, so the importance of reinstating them in the countryside and on urban roundabouts and verges has been recognised and is now firmly on the government’s agenda.
Choosing the right mix is easier than you think, just follow these three golden rules to help you get started: Soil type – every wildflower is unique, so knowing whether it’s clay, sand, loam or chalk is essential. Taking samples of soil from across your site and testing for pH is the most accurate way to identify the correct type. Companies such as John Chambers Wildflower Seed can then advise you on the most suitable products. If you take an area with a heavy, clay-type soil the seed mix should contain species which are suited to this type of soil, such as Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), Greater Knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa). The site - where your proposed wildflower area is located must be considered. Is it in a coastal area, near wetland or affected by shade? If we take hedgerows, where there is an element of shade at certain times of day, then the soil is likely to be poor and dry, with less nutrients and moisture. We therefore
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LANDSCAPE NEWS SPRING 2021
need wildflowers that can cope with these conditions; not all can. In this case, choose a mix featuring Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) and Red Campion (Silene dioica). The size of the area can also have an impact on the most appropriate mix. If you wish to sow in a flower bed, a mix without grass is a good choice. Environmental objectives Wildflowers are incredibly important for biodiversity. They are an intrinsic part of the food chain for insects and some animals, and they are an essential and attractive food source for pollinating insects. There are several wildflowers and mixes that will specifically support certain pollinators. Good examples would be Field Scabious, Viper’s-bugloss and Kidney Vetch. Finally, consider and plan for management and maintenance of the area in the longer term. For more information, including how best to prepare the site for wildflowers, contact John Chambers Wildflower Seed on +44(0)1423 369730 or visit johnchamberswildflowers.co.uk.
fter launching the traditional handcrafted garden furniture range in 2020, which combines comfort, beauty and quality, Accredited Supplier Harrod UK Ltd T/A Harrod Horticultural are excited to introduce a number of new additions in the form of complementary garden pieces. From towering obelisks, supports, trellis and a traditional pergola, Harrod UK have everything required to perfectly enhance your client’s garden or patio area, while complementing its natural beauty.
The beautifully engineered pergola is complete with retractable awning for sun shade and shower protection or a wire roof to create a fragrant living canopy with climbers and ramblers. It makes a stunning backdrop that will enhance rather than dominate, the perfect centrepiece for small or larger gatherings whatever the weather this summer.
Borders and walls can be brought to life too with favourite planter varieties intertwining with the decorative handcrafted framework of obelisks, plant supports and trellis, just look at our front cover of this edition of Landscape News.
The Southwold Collection is hot dip galvanised and hand etched to give a unique antique appearance that will develop over time and continue to improve with age. Handmade by skilled technicians and finished in Suffolk where steel manufacturing has been in operation in this family business for over 65 years, each piece carries a lengthy 25 year structural guarantee which befits its outstanding quality.
View the full collection at harrodhorticultural.com
