Hey everyone!
I live near a chalk grassland habitat that's home to a bunch of beautiful butterflies, including the Chalkhill Blue. I read that locals can help support these butterflies by planting native flowers and plants suited for chalky soil.
In my tiny garden, we've removed most of the grass and found quite a few chalk rocks, which we're considering using to create a chalk bank. I'm thinking of piling the rocks in one corner and planting some butterfly-friendly flowers on top.
Does anyone have advice on where I can get seeds or plants for chalk conditions? How much space should I set aside for this? Does my chalk bank idea sound feasible? Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
3 Answers
I suggest checking out Emorsgate Seeds for a great selection of native plants. They really specialize in local ecosystems, so you should find what you need there. Plus, the RHS website has a feature to help you locate suppliers; it's super handy! Good luck with your project!
Naturescape is another great resource for wildflowers! I’d personally recommend planting harebells, poppies, and bloody cranesbill. Also, don't forget about horseshoe vetch, as it's vital for the Chalkhill Blue butterfly. It sounds like your chalk bank project has a lot of potential—go for it!
A fun way to gather seeds is to go foraging throughout the year. On sunnier days, you can usually find plenty of decent seeds out there! Just keep an eye out for knapweed, which is fantastic for butterflies. Just make sure to identify anything you pick to avoid invasive species!