Common Bird's-foot-trefoil is a native perennial growing 5-15 cm in height and flowers from June into September. This is plant has many beneficial attributes that make it a key species for invertebrate conservation in the UK.
A frequent and sometime abundant component of grasslands, including drier meadows, limestone grassland, hill pastures and rock ledges; also can be abundant on brownfield sites, roadside verges, coastal cliff-tops and sand dunes where it supports a wide range of localised invertebrates. It is absent from only the most acidic and infertile soils. It can fix Nitrogen and is suitable for light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. An important food plant for many invertebrates and is an excellent bee plant, the flowers providing an important source of nectar. The flowers are powerfully scented, but are also capable of self-fertilisation. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Viper's-bugloss is a native biennial growing 60-120 cm in height, producing a succession of flowers from June well into September. This is a plant adored by bumble-bees which are omnipresent on the production line of blooms produced by each flowering branch.
A species that produces an incredible abundance of flowers in open grasslands and disturbed habitats on well-drained soils. Its principle habitats include limestone grasslands, quarries, cultivated and brownfield land such as railways, docks and roadsides. Also occurs in coastal districts on cliffs, sand dunes and shingle. The plant is self-fertile and is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, preferring well-drained soil and maintains good growth even in nutritionally poor soil and can tolerate maritime exposure.
Small Scabious is a native perennial growing 10-35 cm in height and flowers from June to September. Plants produce a succession of flowers over this period which attracts a wide diversity and abundance of pollinator species.
A perennial herb of calcareous soils including pastures, banks, cliffs, rock outcrops and disused quarries. It grows well in ordinary garden soils producing much bigger plants with an abundance flowers when compared to plants typically encountered in the wild.
Foxglove is a native biennial growing to 150 cm in height and produces tall spikes of megenta trumpets during May and June.
Devil's-bit Scabious is a native perennial growing 30-60 cm in height and produces spherical composite clusters of purpley-blue flowers from August to October. The flowers attract a wide range of autumn insects and the vegetative parts of the plants host a diverse range of scarce and threatened species, including the Marsh Fritillary butterfly, a European Protected Species for which the UK has a responsibility for safeguarding.
Grows in a wide range of moist to moderately free-draining habitats, generally avoiding water-logged ground and favouring mildly acidic soils. It is a feature of Rhos pastures, but also occurs in woodland rides, stream sides, road verges, graveyards, wet heath, coastal grasslands and mires. The species benefits from moderate to heavy grazing, especially where there is poaching. The species has very poor powers of dispersal and rarely colonises reseeded pastures.
The iconic Beech, is often referred to as the queen of British trees and can live for many hundreds of years. Although deciduous, Beech often holds on to their golden leaves throughout the winter, until the new fresh green leaves appear, heralding the spring. If clipped, it retains its leaves and creates a year-round dense garden screen, as well as helping to reduce wind and noise pollution. If left unclipped, it can reach heights of up to 40m. Beech is also relatively fast growing, increasing about 30-50cm a year. Beech trees grow well in sun or partial shade, enjoying well-drained soils.
A Beech hedge is low maintenance, trimming once or twice a year. A shaping clip in June is optional and a late August clip will ensure you retain some of the lovely golden foliage through the winter. An overgrown Beech can be clipped into shape in February, during the dormant period, but take care that it is not a particularly cold snap.
Beech trees provide important habitats for many invertebrates, nesting birds and small mammals, and the bark can support a range of mosses and lichens.
3-5 pots per metre. Please take into account the final size your tree or shrub will grow to and be aware of your surrounding buildings.
Dogwood is a small broad-leaved shrub, usually grown for its shining black berries and striking red stems in the winter, when the leaves have fallen. The creamy white flowers appear in the spring and it is a very hardy shrub that will grow well in moist soils, even when sunlight and water are in short supply.
A light pruning or shaping can be carried out in the autumn or early spring.
An excellent source of food and shelter for small birds and mammals. Dogwood flowers provide food for many species of insect and the berries are eaten by small mammals and birds.
For hedging plant at 2 pots per metre. Please take into account the final size your tree or shrub will grow to and be aware of your surrounding buildings.
Broom is an erect deciduous, spineless shrub that produces an abundance of golden yellow pea-like flowers. Broom is often grown for the spring flowers which have vanilla-like scent. Broom enjoys sunny, well drained, sandy soils. During the summer, the hairy black seed pods can produce an audible cracking sound as they explode in the sunshine.
A light pruning or shaping can be carried out after the flowers have fallen.
An excellent source of food for pollinator species.
3 pots per metre. This shrub can be grown as a mixed hedge species with other plants such as Hawthorn and Wild Privet, though is not not a very long-lived species. Please take into account the final size your tree or shrub will grow to and be aware of your surrounding buildings.
Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil is a native sprawling perennial growing 20-50 cm in height and produces an abundance of yellow flowers between June and August.
Sheep's-bit is a native perennial which grows 10-20 cm in height and flowers between May and August. The species rarely achieves a high level of abundance but the blue flowers add an especially appealing colour to the habitats where it grows as well as providing an important nectar source for foraging invertebrates.
A fast growing and low maintenance tree that grows well in damp soils. As a single tree, Alder will form a good pyramid shape having a great display of dark green, glossy leaves. In early spring, the Alder produces catkins, followed by hard oval fruit that resemble small unopened pine cones.
Alder thrives in wet poor soil and if desired can be pruned during winter or early spring.
Alder is a superb tree for wildlife, supporting numerous species of moth, including the beautiful Pebble Hook-tip and Alder Kitten. In the spring, the early catkins are a good source of pollen for bees and the seeds also support birds such as Redpolls, Siskins and Goldfinch.
2 plants per metre. Please take into account the final size your tree or shrub will grow to and be aware of your surrounding buildings.
Ragged-Robin is a native perennial growing 30-60 cm in height and the main flowering period is during May and June. The delicate-looking flowers produced are important for wide range of pollinator species and together with the plants foliage, host a good number of invertebrate herbivores.
A herb of wet grassland, rush-pasture, fen-meadow, ditches, stream banks, pond margins and damp woodland edges. It grows on light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils in a range of pH conditions. Ragged-Robin is tolerant of semi-shade but prefers open ground and thrives in moist or wet soils where it is easy to grow. Tolerant of sea spray in exposed coatal locations.
Wild Privet is a native semi-evergreen shrub, that loses its leaves in frosty conditions. This shrub is often planted to provide cover, is shade tolerant and thrives in poor soils with fairly good drainage. It does not like water logged ground during winter months.
A light pruning or shaping can be carried out in the autumn or early spring. Note that Wild Privet may drop its leaves when transplanted, but does recover well.
An excellent all-round shrub for wildlife. Pollinators love the heavily scented creamy white flowers in the spring time, whereas birds use this shrub for nesting, whilst enjoying the black berries in the autumn. The caterpillars of the spectacular Privet Hawk-moth feed on the leaves.
2 pots per metre. This shrub can be grown as a mixed hedge species with other plants such as Hawthorn. Please take into account the final size your tree or shrub will grow to and be aware of your surrounding buildings.
Meadow Crane's-bill is a native perennial herb which grows 30-60 cm in height and flowers from June to September. This large-flowered Geranium provides colour and structural diversity to boundary habitats and meadows in addition to contributing to the pollinator resource.
Black Poplar is one of Britain’s rarest trees and The Forestry Commission lists this tree as being the most endangered native timber tree in Britain. Best suited for large gardens, open spaces and parklands. An imposing tree with glossy green heart-shaped leaves. Thriving in heavy, wet soils with a dislike for chalky soils.
If desired, carry out any pruning during the winter months when the tree is dormant.
Black Poplars provide food for many insects including the Hornet and many striking moths. The seeds are eaten by birds.
Please take particular notice of foundations with this species as it has very strong and vigorous roots.
Yellow-rattle is widely used to help create wildflower grasslands, as it is a hemi-parasite of grasses, weakening them and enabling other wildflowers to compete and flourish. The name originates from the bright yellow tubular flowers and the rattling seed pods. It is an annual best sown in the autumn or winter periods at a rate of ½g per sqm.
Selected to maximise wildlife benefits for pollinators such as butterflies, bees and a wide range of other beneficial insects. All our seeds are sourced within Britain and are grown peat free and herbicide free.
Sow Spring or Autumn
Hawthorn is a vigorous, dense thorny shrub that provides excellent security when used as a hedging plant, but more importantly provides an abundance of blossom during May which attracts many invertebrate pollinators.
Alder thrives in wet poor soil and if desired can be pruned during winter or early spring.
An excellent source of food and shelter for small birds and mammals. Hawthorn is said to provide food for 150 species of insect. It is also regularly planted as a food plant for Dormice. An abundance of berries is produced in the autumn, which are a favourite of winter thrushes
2 plants per metre. Please take into account the final size your tree or shrub will grow to and be aware of your surrounding buildings.
Wild Teasel is a native perennial growing 100-150 cm in height and produces its unique flower heads during July and August. This is a great plant for pollinators as the nectar rich flowers are accessible to wide suite of species. It is also the host for several dependant invertebrates and the abundant seed it produces is loved by Goldfinches.
Agrimony is a native perennial growing 30-80 cm in height and produces spikes of yellow flowers between June and August. It favours basic to neutral soils and is typically encountered on grassy hedgebanks, lightly grazed pastures, woodland edge and occasionally on brownfield sites. Emmet (1988) lists five species of associated micro-moth including the Brassy Pigmy Stigmella aeneofasciella and Rosy Tabby Endotricha flammealis.
Grows best in basic and neutral soils, natural habitats include, sand dunes, hedge banks and other boundaries, open grassland, verges and railway banks.
Betony is a native perennial growing 10-60 cm in height and produces an abundance of reddish-purple flowers from June into September. The flowers are super-attractive to a wide range of pollinator species, especially bumblebees.
Hedge banks, unimproved grassland, heaths, open woods, graveyards, woodland rides, lane banks and cliff-top grassland all support populations of this plant, which is highly sought after by pollinators. Grows in light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. It can grow in semi-shade, but prefers open swards in full sun. A good indicator of healthy habitats.
Bloody Crane's-bill is a native perennial herb which grows 10-30 cm in height and flowers from May to August. The intense colour of this large-flowered Geranium attracts a wide range of insect pollinators.
Blue Fleabane is a native perennial growing 10-20 cm in height and produces subdued purpley-blue flowers during July and August.
Bogbean is a native perennial growing 10-20 cm in height and produces attractive white flowerspikes during May and July
Chamomile is a native perennial which grows 5-25 cm in height and produces carpets of flowers during June and July. Its aromatic leaves are generally avoided by grazing animals, which enables the species to flourish in open pastures with nutrient poor soils. It has suffered significant declines in modern times, for example in Gower is currently restricted to just two populations on common land.
Common Cottongrass is a native perennial growing 30-75 cm in height and produces brown flowers during May and June, shortly followed by the white cotton tufted seed-heads.
Common Fleabane is a native perennial growing 20-50 cm in height and produces an abundance of yellow daisy-like flowers during August and September.
Common Restharrow is a native perennial growing 10-20 cm in height and produces a carpet of pale purple/white flowers between July and September.
Creeping Willow is a small silvery green shrubby species in the willow family. It grows best in damp soils including wet heathland or in damp dune slacks but will also grow well in neutral soils that are not too dry.
A light pruning or shaping can be carried out in the autumn or early spring if desired.
This species supports a number of scarce invertebrates, the catkins in spring attract many pollinators and the fluffy seeds are used by birds as nesting material.
Plant in a suitable habitat at 1-2m intervals.
Deptford Pink is a native short-lived perennial growing 20-30 cm in height and produces intesnely pink flowers during July and August.
Dyer's Greenweed is a native perennial herb which grows 20-30 cm in height and flowers between July and September. Although still widespread, it has declined considerably since the 1940s through the loss of old pastures and is now a scarce species in many counties.
Golden-samphire is a native perennial growing 30-50 cm in height and produces panicles of yellow flowers during July and August.
Goldenrod is a native perennial growing 30-60 cm in height and produces spikes of yellow flowers during August and September.
Greater Knapweed is a native perennial growing 30-60 cm in height and produces purple flowers between July and September.
Heath Bedstraw is a native perennial growing 5-20 cm in height and produces an abundance of small white flowers between June and August.
Hemp Agrimony is a native perennial growing 60-120 cm in height and produces umbels of pink-tinged flowers between July and September.
Hoary Mullein is a native archaeophyte (i.e. an 'ancient' introduction established in GB before AD 1500) growing 100-200 cm in height and produces giant spikes of yellow flowers between July and September.
Honeysuckle is a native perennial climber and produces its unique pink/yellow/ivory flowers between June and September.
Hop is a native scrambling, perennial climber, female plants producing distinctively fragranced pendant flowers or 'hops' during the autumn period.
Hound's-tongue is a native perennial that grows around 30-40 cm in height and produces a succession of flowers between June and August. This is a localised plant in Wales and supports a small but distinctive assemblage of associated invertebrates.
Kidney Vetch is a native perennial growing 8-15 cm in height and produces an abundance of yellow flowers between May and July. It attracts large numbers of bumblebees and is the larval foodplant of the Small Blue butterfly.
Sand-dunes, limestone grassland and open turf on S.-facing slopes are the typical locations for this prolific spring flower. It can fix Nitrogen and is suitable for light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. It cannot tolerate shade, prefers dry soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. The flowers are a rich food source for bees, butterflies and and a range of other invertebrate groups. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Lesser Calamint is a native perennial growing 30-80 cm in height and produces pungent pale blue-pink flowers between July and September.
Lousewort is a native perennial growing 5-15 cm in height and flowers from April into September. The flowers provide important an food source for a wealth of species, some of which are of great ecological importance as well as rarity.
Marsh Mallow is a native perennial growing 40-90 cm in height and produces pale pink flowers during August and September.
Marsh Woundwort is a native perennial growing 20-30 cm in height and produces spikes of purple flowers between July and September.
Meadow Thistle is a native perennial which in time can form extensive colonies. During June and July colonies produce solitary flowers on woolly stalks that are 40-60 cm in height. Whilst the blooms aren't always abundant, they are nevertheless an important nectar source for some of our rarer species associated with marshy grasslands, such as the Marsh Fritillary buttefly.
A rather uncommon perennial herb of fens, fen-meadows, flood-pastures, bog margins and poorly-drained meadows on acid to neutral, usually peaty, soils. Habitat loss, agricultural improvements, drainage and shading from encroaching scrub have resulted in regional declines, exacerbated by the fact that it rarely sets good seed. Where colonies occur at sites where the Marsh Fritillary is present it is an imporatnt nectar source for this European Protected Species of butterfly
Musk Thistle is a native biennial which grows 40-80 cm in height and produces attractive nodding heads between May and August. A wide range of pollinator species are attracted to the large heavily scented flowers.
Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea is a native perennial growing 30-100 cm in height and produces racemes of pink flowers between June and August.
Purging Buckthorn is a hardy, deciduous native shrub/small tree. It has dark green leaves that can be trimmed to form a good dense hedgerow. It likes well drained soils, full sun, or shade. Purging Buckthorn will grow well in coastal locations and will tolerate chalky soils, but does not like water logged conditions. The flowers of this shrub are quite insignificant, but still attract are large number of pollinator species. The black berries are striking in the autumn against the yellow colour of the leaves. Purging Buckthorn gained its name from the laxative effect its berries induce when eaten.
A light pruning or shaping can be carried out in the autumn or early spring if desired.
Purging Buckthorn is one of the main foodplants of the Brimstone butterfly. The small flowers provide an excellent food source for pollinators and the dense vegetation provide nesting sites for small birds.
3 pots per metre. Please take into account the final size your tree or shrub will grow to and be aware of your surrounding buildings.
Purple Gromwell is a native perennial growing 10-40 cm in height and produces intensely bluey-purple flowers during May and June.
Purple-loosestrife is a native perennial growing 40-150 cm in height and produces tall, erect spikes of purple flowers between June and August.
Red Dead-nettle is an annual archaeophyte (i.e. an 'ancient' introduction established in GB before AD 1500) growing 10-30 cm in height and produces reddish-purple flowers between March and October.
Red Hemp-nettle is an annual archaeophyte which grows 10-20 cm in height and flower during the period from July and October. It has suffered major losses throughout its UK range and in Wales may now only survive at three sites.
Royal Fern is a native perennial growing 50-150 cm in height and produces fertile fronds during June and July.
Saw-wort is a native perennial growing 15-30 cm in height and flowers from July to September. Plants are rarely abundant but do produce a succession of flowers over this period which attracts a wide diversity and abundance of pollinator species.
Sea Stock is a native biennial or short-lived perennial which grows 40-80 cm in height. It flowers between June and August and it's attractively hued flowers host a wide range of pollinators. Most of the UK population of this nationally rare species is located in South Wales, where mature flowering plants demand attention from beachgoers sheltering by the frontal dunes of many beaches.
Sharp Rush is a native perennial growing 100-180 cm in height and produces persistent brown flowers during June.
Shepherd's-needle is an annual archaeophyte (i.e. an 'ancient' introduction established in GB before AD 1500) growing 10-15 cm in height and produces white flowers between April and July.
Smith's Pepperwort is a native perennial growing 10-20 cm in height and produces white flowers between May and August.
Sneezewort is a native perennial growing 30-100 cm in height and when growing well produces sprays of white flowers during July and August. The flowers produce a pungent scent that is attractive to wide range of pollinator species, especially hoverflies. The specific epithet, 'ptarmica', has Greek origins and refers to causing a sneeze.
Tree-mallow is a native biennial growing 100-300 cm in height and produces pink-purple flowers between July and September.
Tufted Vetch is a native perennial growing 20-80 cm in height and produces a succession of vertical rows of blue flowers from axillary shoots between June and October.
Water Mint is a native perennial growing 15-50 cm in height and produces large quantities of pink-purple flowers between July and October.
White Horehound is a native perennial herb which grows 15-40 cm in height and flowers irregularly anywhere between June and November, depending on climatic factors. Populations of this nationally scarce species are usually very small and are at high risk of localised extinction.
Whorled Caraway is a native perennial growing 30-50 cm in height and produces open umbels of white flowers during July and August.
Wild Clary is a native perennial growing 15-80 cm in height and produces purple flower spikes between May and August.
Wild Madder is a native perennial climber that produces cream flowers between June and August.
Wild Marjoram is a native perennial growing 20-40 cm in height and produces lilac flowers between July and September.
Wild Mignonette is a biennial or short-lived perennial growing 30-70 cm in height and produces erect spikes of cream flowers between June and August.
Wild Onion (also known as Crow Garlic) is a native perennial which grows to approximately 30 cm in height and produces clusters of magenta bulbils during June and July. These frequently sprout whilst still attached producing a unique 'inflorescence' of shooting bulbils.
Woolly Thistle is a native biennial which grows 40-100 cm in height and produces highly attractive globular heads between July and September. The spectacular blooms attract a wide range of insects but the spines are partucularly devilish, so may not be suitable for sites with children.