Demand for ‘Grow Guernsey Native’ initiative is blooming
INTEREST in plants native to Guernsey is continuing to blossom on the back of the ‘Grow Guernsey Native’ initiative launched by clematis grower Raymond Evison, Grow Ltd and La Societe earlier this year.
They say that demand for species particular to Guernsey has been strong since the scheme was launched in April.
‘They sold out in the first four days they were so popular,’ said Grow manager Jess Aughton.
‘The selection is now much bigger. We encourage people to see native plants differently and see the benefits of cultivating them in their gardens.’
She said choosing native plants increased Guernsey’s biodiversity.
‘It’s getting people to consider changing the way they think about wild flowers and incorporating them into their gardens. It’s amazing that Raymond works so closely with Grow – we really appreciate the support and that of La Societe.’
Mr Evison has been busy collecting seed-caps from around the island, which he has then germinated.
‘It’s about changing the concept of a weed,’ he said.
‘People are really taking it on board and I think our native plants are the ones our insects like to have.’
Some big projects have been advised about which native plants to use, he added.
Originally seven native species were sold at Grow, but this number is continuing to rise.
‘At the end of June, in the propagation nursery there were 1,500 plants and another 15 species. The success on the propagation side is really quite exciting.’
This means plants will be able to be preserved and seeds will not need to be taken from the wild.
‘It’s very important from a conservation point of view,’ Mr Evison said.
An example of this is the viola kitaibeliana, which has flowers just a few millimetres in size. It grows in only 25 locations in the British Isles. The seeds for this plant were originally found at Pleinmont and the population size is now hoped to be increased.
‘There was a lot more of it – it’s really dying out, so the aim will be to save the plant and regenerate it,’ Mr Evison said.
Popular native plants with islanders so far have included the oxeye daisy and hoary stock.
It is hoped the rare hound’s-tongue and rock sea lavender will be available to purchase next year, along with a selection of edible native plants and those ideal for west coast seashore gardens.
