Pennington Juniors' Wildflower Meadow
Published on 2015-07-15 by Gill Hickman
PJS Wildflowers are Amazing
PJS have one of the smallest wildflower meadows of all ten ‘Grow Wild’ schools, but it is also one of the most successful. An area with meadow grasses was cleared as described in an earlier blog article. The grasses surrounding the small patch provided the perfect setting for a small meadow!
Wildflower annual seeds were sown; a ‘Meadow in My Garden’ mix of poppies, cornflowers, corn marigold, corn camomile and corncockle. Red and blue flax, echium and other species were added to enhance colour. The red flax has been a significant addition because it adds colour when there is little from poppies and enhances the meadow on a dull day! After a dry spell in May, children recognised that watering was needed and the success of the meadow reflects that recognition. PJS children are keen gardeners and quick to learn.
Has it been successful? Yes, beyond doubt! It has succeeded in attracting bees, hoverflies and other pollinators; it is aesthetically beautiful and children have both enjoyed the mini meadow and have learnt a great deal from the project.
