The Star: September 21, 2023

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Thursday September 21 2023 The Star
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WILDFLOWERS will be
blooming in more parks and
reserves across the city this
spring after a successful trial was
expanded across the city.
The city council trial, which
has seen wildflowers planted
in public spaces, has now been
expanded to include the parks
and reserves most requested
by residents. More wildflowers
are also set to pop up in garden
beds throughout the city’s
green spaces, said city council
community parks manager Al
Hardy.
He said the flowers provide
colour and benefit insects and
the environment.
“We’re excited to expand
this trial to Christchurch’s
community parks, with three to
four planting areas selected from
each ward,” he said.
“Wildflowers provide habitat
for pollinators and insects,
offering food, shelter, and places
for them to breed.
“There are benefits to the soil
as well, improving its structure
by increasing organic matter
when the vegetation breaks
down.
“Plus, by introducing
wildflowers into our parks and
reserves we can reduce our
carbon footprint by decreasing
our mowing requirements.”
The flowers will help to boost
the bee population by providing
PHOTO:
NEWSLINE
Wildflower trial grows
pollen-rich gathering grounds in
different parts of the city.
Hardy said the trial will
include a variety of wildflower
types.
“We will continue with borage,
alyssum, calendula and cornflowers,
and we’ve swapped a few
species to make it more appropriate
for Christchurch’s climate.
“This mix will benefit all
pollinators, including bees and
butterflies.
“If the success of this trial
continues, we will retain the
wildflowers in the lawn areas,
resowing as required.”
Residents should start to notice
the wildflowers germinating in
October.
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