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Generally wild flowers which are indigenous to the UK are more likely to be supporting more wild life than introduced species, more commonly found in gardens, simply because wild life hasn't had time to adapt to it. Although of course many introductions which flower will be supporting pollinators more generally. (This would also be true of native as opposed to introduced tree and scrub species). And I suspect plants which are flowering over public space, even if rooted on private private, are being removed to stop them setting seed in public space. [Although many might see that as a good thing if the plants have merits of their own). -
Good question. I think the benefit of some wild flowers is that they appear earlier in the spring and provide nectar for insects coming out of hibernation. Also, natives have evolved with the insects, some of which can only survive with certain native plants. For example, some species of caterpillars need a specific native plant for their food. Having said that, I've seen lots of pollinators having a field day on some non native flowers. My bees love my verbena bonariensis for example. -
By Jenijenjen · Posted
Genuine question- are wild flowers/weeds better for wildlife than cultivated flowers? My cultivated flowers and their seeds attract birds, bees and all kinds of insects, maybe more so than wild flowers. -
Sue. It's a long journey trying to change the long established mindset that many of us grew up with, namely cultivated flowers are good and wild flowers anywhere other than in the wild are bad. My job as a child was to go round pulling up all the dandelions that dared to invade my Dad's pride and joy of a garden. I still battle with my Mum, trying in vain to convince her of the benefits of so called weeds in her garden. Her neighbours, all of a certain age, are the same. Anyone who doesn't attack any weed with gusto is the subject of Mum's disapproving neighbours. We can only keep trying to convince others of the benefits of these much maligned flowers.
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