LANDSCAPING SERVICES
Basildon ’ s ‘ Pollinator Action Plan ’ supports insect diversity
BASILDON IN BLOOM !
Creating attractive floral displays in public places around Basildon , while increasing insect biodiversity to support local plant and animal life , were key factors in Basildon Council ’ s decision to use Rigby Taylor ’ s Euroflor wildflower seed mixes across the borough ’ s roundabouts , roads and open spaces .
In September 2019 , Basildon Council set up a £ 50,000 fund to support a three-year ‘ Pollinator Action Plan ’ to help boost the local bird , bee and butterfly population and support local ecosystems . This plan involved the sowing of wildflowers to attract pollinating insects , increased tree planting and reduced grass cutting on some of the main routes into the town centre .
The council opted for Euroflor ’ s Sarah Bouquet wildflower seed mix , which had been its choice during the previous seven years to help brighten up the local parks . The seed mix includes 30 plant species and varieties for maximum effect and insect biodiversity – offering a colourful , low maintenance , flower display from early summer to autumn .
Euroflor - Sarah Bouquet mix for extended flowering
According to Basildon Council Parks and Countryside Supervisor , Glen Owers , the Euroflor seed mix was first introduced into Lake Meadows Park because the council wanted to “ add some colour and make it more attractive to visitors ”, and due to the colourful “ wow factor ” that first year , they ’ ve used the seed mix ever since .
“ The Euroflow Sarah Bouquet works well for us because it offers a good variety of species , that flower throughout the summer and still looks good in October ,” Glen further adds “ Once the seeds have germinated , the team use Apex Organic OC2 fertiliser and the area is irrigated during dry spells . The first colour appears around 60 days after sowing and the mix of species ensures that as one plant blooms and fades , another is coming through to take its place ,”
In full bloom - Lake Meadows Park , Billericay
At the end of the season , once the plants have gone to seed and died off , Glen ’ s team cut them down to the ground and a rotary mower will mulch it up and put it back into the soil in preparation for the next seasons sowing cycle .
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