New initiative to preserve the island’s natural plants
RARE native plants will be preserved through the ‘Grow Guernsey Native’ initiative, which encourages islanders to retain local wildlife.
More than 160 of the Bailiwick’s plant species are considered rare – 34 of them are found in fewer than 25 locations in the British Isles.
‘It’s very much about raising awareness to the native and naturalised rare plants that we have here and getting people to appreciate them,’ said Guernsey Clematis owner Raymond Evison, who came up with the project.
Seven species of rare and naturalised plants can be purchased at Grow Ltd – Purple Toadflax, Sheep’s Bit, Oxeye Daisy, Large-flowered Evening-primrose, Hoary Stock, Field Scabious, and Deptford Pink.
‘With awareness, people will respect native plants too,’ Mr Evison said.
‘We have sown the seeds of over 40 species so there will be more for next year.’
Local horticulturist Chris Chatfield was heavily involved with the project, and explained the process of collecting native seeds from coastal areas, propagating them, and handing them over to the team at Grow to look after.
‘It’s amazing to see where all the hard work is going and benefitting the island,’ he said.
‘So far, 50% of the seeds have germinated which is a good success rate.’
There are around 500 plants for sale, many of which would be ideal for coastal gardens where many other plants are unable to grow, he said.
‘It’s about educating the public.
‘There’s a lot of work to be done but this is a step in the right direction.’
Grow manager Jess Aughton said the charity had worked hard on the project.
‘It’s really showcased our crew’s skills and abilities.
‘These aren’t the usual plants we deal with but each challenge we’ve had the crew has overcome.’
20% of profits will go to La Societe, who have launched the project, and 80% will go to Grow to support the future work of the charity.
Guernsey Conservation Volunteers group coordinator Angela Salmon had seen the impact of invasive species such as sour fig on local wildlife.
‘It’s really good for gardens to have more biodiversity of native plants,’ she said.
‘This can support more species, as insects and butterflies also need these plants – they evolved together so absolutely support each other.’
La Societe Botany Section secretary Helen Litchfield added: ‘Our gardens can be a great place to support these local plants and insect life.’
Thanks was extended to The Strategy for Nature Fund as well as Creative Learning In Prison, Clip, for constructing cold frames for the plants.
