Henley plant party for 'foster parents'

A CLIMATE and nature action charity in Henley has held its first “plant party”.

Greener Henley held the event in a committee room at the town hall  on Thursday last week.

It was organised ahead of the relaunch of Nature Squared which is run in collaboration with the town council and the Henley Standard.

The aim of the campaign is to create 5,000m2 of native wildflower plants to create a “nature highway” to improve biodiversity.

The event welcomed residents to become “plant parents” by picking up seeds so they can grow them  at home before moving them elsewhere to where they are needed. 

Elderflower and rose cordial was served, as well as a selection of homemade sweet treats, including vegan banana bread, fruitcake and biscuits dusted with sugar.

Julia Samyui-Adams, communications manager for Greener Henley, said: “We’re relaunching our campaign for a much larger area than we have looked to create previously.

"This relaunch differs, in that we were looking mainly at people using seeds before and we know that was a stumbling block for some people because they weren’t getting the result they wanted and seeing the plants they wanted.

"This party today is about encouraging plant fosterers and plant parents by creating somewhere where they are able to get seeds.”

Ms Samyui-Adams said that one of the most important things about the relaunch was that the group wanted to “reach deeper” into the Henley community.

She said: “We want it to be much more about people and their connection with nature, as well as joining with people who can grow plants with those who can’t.

"Today isn’t just about giving out seeds, it’s about figuring out who needs seeds. Hopefully it will become much bigger and broader with a sense of being more involved with nature.”

Diana Barnett, member of Greener Henley,  said: “We’ve been working on Nature Squared for a couple of years or so now and, originally, we were giving away packets of seeds just to people who were planting a square metre of wildflowers in their gardens or wherever.

"But it has been a slow process because a lot of the seeds are perennial and some people are a bit impatient, especially if you’ve got children who sometimes expect these flowers to come out instantly and waiting is quite boring.

"We decided we must do something to improve the chances of having a good square metre of wild plants in your green space.

"So, we’ve decided today to bring plants ourselves that we know are excellent plants for pollinators.”

Ms Barnett told of how the “best pollinators” in this country are solitary bees, and that wild insects must be “looked after”.

She said: “By planting wildflowers or giving wildflowers to people for them to grow in their gardens, or on their balconies, or just in pots, is giving our biodiversity a bit more of a chance. So, our idea was to get these seeds out in Henley and planted.”

Bob Somers, of Mount View, Henley, is a member of the Greener Henley Wildlife Group.

Mr Somers said that about five years ago, two cowslips were planted on the bank along the road, and there are now 85, as of last week.

He packaged about two dozen corncockle seeds himself and brought four eggboxes worth of oxeye daisy plants to give to other residents at the party.

Mr Somers said: “I think this afternoon is about bringing awareness to people that although we are growing something beautiful, we are also helping insects and wildlife in our town.

"We need to appreciate nature, as it’s there to bless us.

"Spending time in nature, whether that’s as simple as going for a walk in the woods, is so good for our health.”

Trevor Farnfield, of Pearce’s Orchard, Henley, holds the title of becoming Greener Henley’s first “plant parent”, having moved to the town from Marlow with his wife in December.

Mr Farnfield said they were “heavily involved” in green initiatives in Marlow and he was previously the vice-chairman for Wild Marlow.

He said: “I was supplied with a packet of seeds by Greener Henley and I’ve planted them in our greenhouse and the idea is that, once they’re grown into smaller plants, we can then help distribute them out to various organisations or people that need them.”

He added:  “It was a logical thing to try and start getting involved with Greener Henley, as it  does an amazing amount. I came today to get a broader view of what Greener Henley are doing and also to pick up some more seeds so I can go and plant some more. My goal is to plant as many bee-friendly and pollinator-friendly plants as possible.”