Why plant a meadow? The inspiration.

I must admit for myself it was primarily because they are just SO beautiful. One journalist described another meadow in Somerset as a Monet paining And it is just like having a Monet painting on your doorstep only its a moving painting. Every few weeks through the Spring and Summer it changes as different species flower. A wildflower meadow is a truly beautiful thing. Somehow it's very naturalness is part of its miracle. All winter its just a patch of stubbly grass then in the Spring there's explosion of flowers, it is a source of inspiration everytime I see it. 

My meadow is a like a painting in the front of my house

Then there's the satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to wildlife, particularly bees. The reasons for the decline in bee numbers apparently complex, but some things are beyond debate. That bee numbers are in a dramatic decline and that they are essential for plant growth as rain and sun. We also know that bees thrive in wildflower meadows and that 98% of Britain's meadows have disappeared since the 1930's, so by growing a meadow you will be giving your local bee population a boost.

From the bumble bee conservation trust

I have tried to find out if there's any funding for growing a meadow and have not found any grants, though I understand there is promised government support for growing meadows (see below).

Some interesting links on the issues mentioned in this blog...

One couple's amazing meadow

The bumblebee conservation trust

Government promises to increase wildflower habitats