News

Whiteley Wildflower Garden

Whiteley is delighted to announce the Wild Flower Garden’s return this year. In April we planted our wild flower seeds and they have just started to bloom.

It’s a double delight this year, as we’ve extended our blooms to two locations, spreading joy far and wide. But that’s not all! Alongside the blossoms, we’ve introduced a chainsaw-carved owl sculpture, watching over our growing sanctuary. And for our tiny winged friends, cozy insect houses await, promising a buzzing haven. Let’s watch together as nature works its magic—time to grow, thrive, and flourish!

Wildflowers are highly beneficial to pollinators and other wildlife but also provide benefits to humans as well, with some studies showing that wildflowers may reduce stress and increase happiness!

A few reasons for growing wildflowers:

Wildflowers are great for wildlife

Wildflowers are vital sources of nectar and pollen for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and hummingbirds. This also provides food for animals that prey on insects.

Wildflowers come in different varieties

As well as benefitting the environment, wildflowers come in various colours, shapes, sizes, making them perfect for adding colour and interest to any outdoor space!

Wildflowers are great at supporting biodiversity

Planting wildflowers can create a diverse and sustainable ecosystem and growing them can help support local biodiversity. Wildflowers are native to specific regions and provide essential habitats and food source for local wildlife.

Wildflowers can help reduce stress & increase productivity

Several studies have explored the effects of plants, like wildflowers, on our stress and productivity levels. One study showed that looking at flowers produced the largest drop in cortisol – a common stress hormone, as well as reducing blood pressure.

Wildflowers can make us happier

Numerous studies have shown that looking at flowers stimulates our brains to produce positive hormones and chemicals. These include dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin.

Feedback from our customers:

• I thought it looked beautiful in the sunshine on Friday when I walked past
• These always bring a smile to my face when walking past to go to work. They’re so beautiful.
• I love these flowers… so pretty and always make me smile.

Fun fact:

On a single day in summer, one acre of wildflower meadow can contain 3 million flowers, producing 1 kg of nectar sugar. That’s enough to support nearly 96,000 honey bees per day.

Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of our new Whiteley wildflower garden – we hope it brightens your day!

Last updated Friday 21 June, 2024