Grow, Guernsey’s charity supporting those with a learning disability, is playing a key part in an initiative started two years ago with the aim of preserving and promoting local wildflowers.
Grow Guernsey Natives was formed by Horticulturalist Raymond Evison, Helen Litchfield, joint secretary of the Botany Section of La Société Guernesiaise, and Grow Ltd all of whom recognise the vital role native plants play in conserving local insects and wildlife in our gardens, and the importance of preserving them.
There are 167 plant species in the Bailiwick that are considered rare in the British Isles. – 32 of those species are found in fewer than 25 locations in the British Isles.
“We began three years ago with preparing seven species of native and naturalised plants for sale and it is very encouraging to have increased to around 30 different species, ranging from common to very rare,” said Raymond. He collects and sows the seed, before transferring the young plants to Grow where the Crew repot them in peat-free compost and tend them ready for sale.
Helen said: “Our aim is to raise awareness of native and naturalised rare plants encouraging people to plant them in their gardens. In this way we will be guaranteeing their survival for generations to come.”
Last year, in association with Male Uprising Guernsey (MUG), Grow planted an area of The Mound at Salarie with native species including Oxeye Daisies and Wild Clary.
In February, Grow was awarded a grant of £1,500 from the Strategy for Nature Fund to support the initiative and help to promote the use of native plants island wide, encouraging people to connect with nature. This funding not only provides crucial support for the project’s ongoing operations but demonstrates the invaluable role that community partnerships play in driving environmental conservation efforts forward.
Stuart Smale, Grow’s Horticulture Manager said: “We’re pleased to be part of such a worthwhile project. Our Crew enjoy working with the plants and take pride in making sure they are in good condition for sale. They carry out a monthly stock check, which helps them with both literacy and numeracy skills. There are plants to suit most growing conditions and we have labels for all the species outlining the soil type and location they prefer.”
Grow volunteer Hayley Tanguy oversees the project on behalf of the charity, said: “I am delighted to be working with the Crew growing on this range of native plants and helping to promote them locally.”
The Grow Guernsey Native range is available to buy from Grow on outdoor benches near the entrance to their site which is open seven days a week, 24 hours-a-day. An honesty box and Sum Up machine are located inside the greenhouse.
The main picture shows Grow volunteer Hayley Tanguy with Crew members Jolyon, Morton and Jack Mahy, and Helen Litchfield, Secretary of the botany section of La Societe .
