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In-house production for native origin wild flowers from DLF In order to meet with the increasing demand for conservation mixtures, DLF have formulated a range of high-quality wild flower mixtures, each designed to recreate a particular habitat – including wetland or dry grassland mixtures, and mixtures composed specifically for acid soils, coastal areas and shaded spots. With many years of experience in the production of grasses and wild flower seeds, DLF have expanded their production, recently acquiring an additional 21 hectares of land dedicated to the production of wild flowers at Hailes Farm. In addition DLF have invested in specialised harvesting and cleaning equipment to meet the needs of the expanding production. Overseeing the in-house production facility is Wild Flower Production Manager, Klaas Vincent Broersma. “After additional investment we knew we had the correct resources and equipment at our disposal to increase production,” explains Klaas. “To ensure the total traceability of our seed we have focused on developing our own ‘seed library’, ensuring true, native origin wild flowers success, we can ensure the highest quality and maximum efficiency before we scale up production. It’s work that has to be conducted carefully to ensure we don’t impact on self- sustaining populations. We’re now successfully growing a variety of different species, knowing the exact location of the land they originated from!” Pro Flora Mixtures are designed with specific environments in mind, composed of native origin wild flowers and low maintenance grass species which help the wild flowers to flourish while keeping more aggressive weeds at bay. Klaas concludes, “To really bring benefit to nature, we are working with species and subspecies that have the genetic variability to thrive – recovering spaces sustainably, supporting biodiversity and ecology.” are at the heart of our production here at Hailes Farm for decades to come.” For more information, DLF’s experienced team is on hand to provide advice on mixture selection, and for larger projects, site visits and written reports are available. “We have been working closely alongside a number of governing bodies and trusts including PRO Flora Natural England to source plants of interest. Over the last three seasons, through the trial planting of different species and analysing our 4
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Pro Flora 1 - Cornfield Annuals 20% Wild Flowers 40% Corn Cockle (Agrostemma githago) 20% Cornflower (Centurea cyanus) 10% Corn Marigold (Chrysanthemum segetum) 10% Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) 15% Night Flowering Catchfly (Silene noctiflora) 5% Corn Chamomile (Anthemis arvensis) 80% Grasses 5% Browntop Bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris) 25% Crested Dogstail (Cynosurus cristatus) 20% Hard Fescue (Festuca trachyphylla) 10% Sheep’s Fescue (Festuca ovina) 30% Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) 10% Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass (Poa pratensis) Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) A traditional range of cornfield annuals, suitable for sowing in the spring or autumn, and providing a colourful show in the first year. Suited to a range of soil types, Pro Flora 1 can be harrowed and re-sown in subsequent years, or alternatively, the grasses can be left and managed with either a ‘long grass’ policy or incorporated into a more regular mowing regime. Colour palette: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Flowering Period Flower height: 5cm to 1.2m Sowing rate: 5g/m 2 5
