Beechwood community plot

The plot was an old tree bed that had had not tree in it for some years and had just become a weedy pit. So in August 2020 we added some bags of compost over the sandy soil and planted. It is a ‘dry garden’, so no plants need extra water once they are established and are happy in sandy, poor soil. The plot is looked after by a group of neighbours.

 

Plant list
These plants have been chosen to provide nectar, pollen and habitat for pollinators such as moths, butterflies, bees, hoverflies and beetles. They are also free self-seeders, drought-tolerant and will look after themselves once established. If the plant is loved by one particular insect, it is listed below.
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Early spring flowering 

  • iris reticulata. Short early flowering iris
  • Scilla

Late spring flowering

  • Alchemlia mollis – perennial
  • Erigeron  – perennial – easy self seeding, mat forming
  • Centranthus ruber alba – perennial – easy self seeding

 

Early summer flowering

  • Campanula – evergreen perennial, mat forming
  • Poppies
  • Hardy geranium Rozanne – perennial

Late summer flowering

  • Verbena bonariensis  – perennial, easy self seeding
  • Sedum – perennial

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wild flowers blowing in

  • Medick – tiny yellow flowers related to clover
  • Chickweed – tiny white flowers
  • Plantain – perennial
  • Knot grass

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Below: Before planting

Below:  six weeks after first planting (Sept 2020)

Below:

  • purple flower – hardy geranium Rozanne
  • white daisies – Mexican fleabane (erigeron karvinskianus)
  • white clusters of flowers – centranthus rubus