As summer fades and the school gates open for a new term, change is slowly taking effect. School children adapt their summer holiday energy into a new routine; fun and freedom gives way to a new classroom and rhythm of daily life. Gardens too adapt to the change in temperature and weather conditions by letting go of summer by shedding leaves and dropping seeds in preparation of the future. Nature gives one last blast of autumnal colour in a final flourish before winter sets in. The official day autumn starts is 22^nd September.

Many autumn planted bulbs, seeds and plugs are stronger in spring and more climate resilient. It’s the perfect time of year to plant as the ground is still warm from the summer’s hot months, less watering is required and there is more time for established root growth. 

As you may know, pollinators are in need of our help. Since 1980, pollinators have declined by 24% with contributing factors of habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change. Scale is of course important and that’s why we can all do our bit by planting wildflowers and mini meadows in pots, gardens, schools, community green spaces, parks and alleyways.

Here’s how you can help pollinators this autumn

• Plant these 5 wildflowers in a pot, a container or in the ground.

1. Common Knapweed
2. Oxeye Daisy
3. Yarrow
4. Wild carrot
5. Field Scabious

TIP: A sunny and well drained spot with low-nutrient soil is best to re-create a meadow. Mix seeds with sand for even sowing or plant plugs into the ground.

• Create a mini meadow, which can be any size. Either in a container or by converting a patch of lawn in a gardens or community spaces. Mini meadows are beautiful and full of life, with less maintenance than a traditional lawn.
   
• Why not create a sign to show others what you are doing? Something like ‘pollinator friendly patch’. 
   
• Head outside and take in the glorious Autumn colours. Look for ivy bees, who emerge in the late summer when ivy flowers start to bloom. 

Meg in Fishponds transformed part of her back garden to include a mini meadow, with some help from Acer, a Grow Wilder volunteer, and Good Grounds and Gardens. The urban garden has been planted with spring and summer flowering native wildflowers, whilst keeping areas for recreation accessible with mown paths. This has created habitat and food sources for wildlife, natural beauty, climate resilience and practical everyday use.

Did you see the mini meadow outside St Mary Redcliffe church this summer? They’re in their third year now and have been growing from strength to strength, with colourful blooms and buzzing biodiversity next to the mown lawn on one side and the busy main road on the other. 

By planting a variety of native or nectar rich plants this autumn, wherever this is possible for you, and avoiding pesticides, you are creating an early-season feeding station for pollinators emerging from hibernation. Give solitary bees, hoverflies, butterflies, moths and beetles a head start to spring. Nature’s recovery is possible if we all do our bit.

Find out more about autumn planting with Team Wilder or continue the conversation at the Grow Wilder Harvest Festival on 20^th September at the ‘Mini meadow walk and talk’ event at 2pm

Book your spot