I would like to see more native wild plants introduced to the garden here at Ordnance House and have been talking to Plantlife. They are an organisation that describes itself as speaking up for our wild flowers, plants and fungi. Their aim is to raise the profile of these wonderful native assets, celebrate their beauty and protect their future. The patron of Plantlife is HRH The Prince of Wales.As a small boy, I grew up in a small North Hampshire village surrounded by meadows, lush hedgerows, gentle meandering chalk streams and crystal clear watercress beds. Those times moulded the way of see the world and what I feel passionately about today. Those long ago days are the reason I garden.
But as the population of this small island grows and neighbourhoods expand and encroach into the countryside, as road networks swell to cope with the increase in traffic, the need to preserve, protect and manage the delicate eco systems of our natural habitats becomes hugely important. But each of us who are lucky enough to have our own gardens can help too. So, Vanessa and I plan to begin a process of introducing more wild plants into the garden.
Having met with Dr. Trevor Dines of Plantlife, who visited us in early February, it seems that we are already growing 31 different native species with 54 separate varieties in our garden. This means that 16% of our plants are of native origin. The list includes Yarrow, Sneezewort, Columbine, Quaking-grass, Clustered Bellflower, Foxgloves, Bloody Crane's-bill, Lyme Grass, Great Burnet, Meadow Clary and Scabiosa.
As with all new projects, it will take time to expand and increase the number and variety of native species. We do not expect results overnight. But it will be an interesting project and a new venture worth exploring. Every little helps I feel, especially when it comes to supporting the native flora and fauna of this beautiful land. A land which we often take for granted and abuse all to often.
