Say it with wildflowers
ENVIRONMENTALLY-friendly wildflowers now account for more than half of public displays in Inverclyde thanks to a council initiative.
Since 2023, local authority grounds staff have been creating eye-catching summer beds at locations throughout the area, including at the entrance to the famous Gourock Outdoor Pool.
As well as being an inviting sight for residents and visitors, wildflowers are extremely welcoming for bugs and insects and help to improve biodiversity.
Wildflowers are also hugely beneficial for the grounds team by providing training opportunities for modern apprentices who have been heavily involved in sowing – after which the flowers are very low maintenance.
The number of annual wildflower beds has been gradually increasing over the last three years and they now account for more than 50 per cent of summer bedding.
In 2025, alone, the grounds team have used around 30kg of annual wildflower, sown approximately 30 wildflower beds, and created three perennial meadows across nearly 4.5 acres of land at Parklea and Coronation Park in Port Glasgow.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “The wildflower displays really are a sight to behold and are brightening up so many locations throughout Inverclyde and we’ve had great feedback about them.
“More importantly, wildflowers are a rich resource for bugs and insects, particularly bees and butterflies, and contribute to a healthier and more biodiverse environment.
“The benefits don’t end there because the increasing number of wildflower beds and meadows throughout Inverclyde is creating training opportunities for our modern apprentices.
“Once the flowers are sown, they also require little maintenance allowing our excellent grounds staff to carry out other tasks.
“The introduction and growth of wildflowers is brilliant and is part of the council’s net zero strategy alongside tree planting, peatland restoration, and a wide range of other environmentally-friendly initiatives.”
Wildflowers give a very colourful display and are a valuable food source for insects, especially bees and butterflies – something that normal summer bedding would not provide.
They also provide insects with shelter and enhances breeding.
First year apprentices have all been involved in the sowing.
As well as displays at locations such as Gourock Pool, the grounds team have been working on two large perennial meadows – three and 1.5 acres, respectively – at Parklea and are currently creating a perennial meadow at the town’s Coronation Park, which is around an acre in size.
