00642 Verges Booklet - Devon County Council

Wildflower and Grass
Seed Mixes
In certain areas naturally occurring local species of wild flowers are
scarce and consideration is given to enhancing such roadside verges
with an appropriate wildflower mix, either separately or incorporated
in a grass seed mix. Only seed of a native provenance will be used.The
mix should be specially selected to suit local conditions and the
intended scheme objectives following consultation with the County
Ecologist. When used in conjunction with grass seed, a low growing,
low maintenance mix should be chosen, such as that detailed in
Appendix C.
The use of wildflower seed is most effective when establishing new
verges. Where the aim is to enhance the floristic diversity of existing
verges, better results are likely to be obtained through the planting of
wildflower plugs.
The general aim is thus to provide the most appropriate species
ecologically and aesthetically, but in addition, offer the option of
increasing the range of indigenous species.