Floristry Trade Club Corporate Partner Eco Flower Supplies describe how they took inspiration from leading environmental charity WildEast, to completely transform their dilapidated back yard.
“During lockdown, like so many businesses up and down the country, our turnover plummeted. Looking for positives we decided that, alongside the obvious need to recalibrate our business, we would start a project in the garden at the back of our unit on an industrial estate in Norwich.
It is fair to say that 'garden' was not the most accurate description of this outside space, which was essentially a rubble-strewn yard, with just the odd tuft of grass peeking through amongst the debris.
With inspiration required our MD, Sarah Smith, read an article in the Eastern Daily Press exploring the great work being done by WildEast, a charity dedicated to returning land back to nature across the east of England.
With a lot of hard work and enjoyable time spent clearing, digging and building we were able to create a wonderful space for all of the staff to use. We even have meetings with customers and suppliers outside to enjoy the surroundings.
As part of the transformation, we planted some of our Plantable Seeded Paper that grows into wild flowers, amongst the other plants and soon we started to see an increase in the number and variety of insects and wildlife visiting the garden.
We wanted to fully develop the garden into a nature-friendly which fits into the ethos of Eco Flower Supplies & Dynamic Print, so Sarah had a conversation with WildEast and a visit from them proved both educational and inspirational.
We now have many more species of plants that are perfect for insects, such as lavender and a diverse mix of flowers, herbs and vegetables. There are compost heaps, bird feeders and three small ponds for aquatic species to enjoy, which also act as watering holes for all wildlife.
Numerous types of bees and other insects regularly visit the habitats we have created. And, larger species are also appearing, including frogs, toads, dragonflies and many bird species. Plus voles, moles and our newest resident a hedgehog who is partial to his favourite treats retrieved from the compost heap!
This has proved to be an extremely enjoyable project for us all with the added benefit of supporting plants and wildlife. The whole team use the garden every day to relax in, spending time feeding the birds, fish and whatever else turns up!"
For more information on the wide-ranging work WildEast are involved in and to read their full article on our project check out their website here:
For more information on our Plantable Seeded Paper that grows into wild flowers call us on 01603 400040 or email info@ecoflowersupplies.co.uk
