PICTORIAL MEADOWS ® TURF MAXIMISES ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE TO FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGES
LANDSCAPING SERVICES
FUTURE PROOFING:
PICTORIAL MEADOWS ® TURF MAXIMISES ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE TO FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGES
The Pictorial Meadows ® turf range comprises over 100 different varieties of wildflowers. This rich diversity of species provides considerable climate resilience. The plants themselves have originated from a wide geographical area and whilst many are UK natives, the inclusion of wildflowers from more diverse climatic conditions are extending meadow resilience to the increasing extreme weather incidents that we are experiencing. Without the need to irrigate following establishment, we have seen the meadows thrive in our increasingly hotter and drier summers. Having also been tested for survival in the cooler, damper winters of Northern England, they also appear to be thriving across Scotland and as far north as Finland. Different species exhibit varied means of survival, from very deep rooting to the ability to self-propagate through seed production. The breadth of species introduced within the Pictorial Meadows ® turf range means that in every conceivable microhabitat, there will be a dynamic adaptation going on within the overall community that can flex and adapt with the changing climate.
Contribution towards carbon neutrality Pictorial Meadows ® was originally developed as a high-value yet
low-maintenance alternative to mown grass and ornamental flower borders, both of which are resourceheavy. They are established by seed, delivering upwards of 150 plants per square metre, creating a density of plant material which discourages weeds and therefore also reduces ongoing maintenance resources. Maintenance can be reduced to a simple spring weed check and just one annual cut-and-collect per year, significantly reducing fuel consumption when compared to cut grass or other ornamental flower displays. Annual cutting material can all be composted by green waste recycling and the meadow‘ compost’ is itself also a means of improving soil health, reducing irrigation needs and, most importantly, cutting down on chemical and manual weed control across the wider urban landscape. Every square metre of meadows planted will contribute to taking carbon out of the atmosphere. Good for people and planet
Pictorial Meadows ® are designed not just for improved environmental resilience, but to be especially attractive and valuable for pollinators and people. These meadows have an exceptionally high floral content as well as an extended and very varied flowering period. Unlike many horticultural hybrid flowers that have been bred
primarily for bloom size, these wildflowers rely on their natural attributes to attract pollinators, helping them spread and survive. In addition, the plants themselves provide a great habitat for much more of our native fauna and are an especially valuable winter source of oil-rich seeds for birds. And, what normally attracts bees and butterflies, also pleases people! The many forms of foliage and flower, plus the almost daily changes in colour and form buzzing with life, provides a rich sensory experience for people.
Where to use Pictorial Meadows ® turf is quick and easy to establish and has a wide range of applications. This includes slopes, rooftops, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, wet / dry areas, shade, semi-shade, full sun and various soil types.
As part of The Green Estate CIC, Pictorial Meadows ® has been creating adaptive and resilient urban spaces for over twenty years. Our mission has always been to create more sustainable, resilient and liveable cities by integrating nature into urban planning and design.
www. pictorialmeadows. co. uk
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