Holmer Green Pond

The Pond is the responsibility of Little Missenden Parish Council but the Open Spaces Group try and help with a pond tidy at least once a year. Typical jobs include a bit of digging, weeding and grass cutting. This year we have planted some teasels in one corner of the pond area, which are wildflowers that are particularly attractive to Goldfinches. One of our objectives is to try and make the most of the many green spaces that we have in Holmer Green. The Open Spaces Group met earlier in February 2020 and agreed that we should try and initiate projects that reflect a traditional Buckinghamshire Village. It was decided that the focus of our projects would be the environment and eco system, looking at how we can encourage bees, butterflies and birds to thrive in our area, in addition to creating an attractive floral display.

Wildflower Projects

The various plots and areas of land we are currently working on are: 

Plot directly opposite the Pond: Amongst the plants we currently have in this bed are Clary, Marjoram, Oxeye Daisies, Lesser Knapweed, Sedum and Dogwood. During the summer months Clary is a most striking wildflower with attractive blue, pink and violet rosettes on upright stems. These flowers are a magnet for bees especially on an early summer evening. The plants you see were originally grown from seed by Brian Fisher who is the horticultural advisor to the Open Spaces Group. Marjoram plants have been planted on the outer layer of the bed and have a dark reddish colour in bud turning to pale pink when opening. This plant is again very attractive to butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Their scent is so strong that it can attract butterflies from miles around. Jetfire daffodils have also been planted in the bed which produce a superb display every March.

Plot diagonally opposite the Pond: This is a new plot that we only started to work on in summer 2020. Covid 19 has dealt some logistical problems in terms of working together/social distancing but we eventually managed to lift the turf and have planted red Geraniums in two heart shapes with a background of Cineria Silver Dust. This plot is to be dedicated to all the “Key Workers, Carers and Volunteers from Holmer Green who helped during the Covid19 pandemic of 2020”. We are very grateful to Nathan at the Fruit and Veg Shop who donated the Geraniums. The bedding plants are for 2020 only and the plot will eventually mirror the plot directly opposite the pond.

Earl Howe Road: This is potentially a big project that we will action in phases. It will take a number of years to develop and for the wildflowers to mature. In the first phase a trench has been dug around 40 metres in length just up from Temple End Vets. Initially a combination of Marjorams, Lesser Knapweed, Mallow and Corn cockles have been planted. The Lesser Knapweed is a colourful thistle like plant with reddish/purple flowers which is very beneficial to butterflies, bees and insects. Wildflower grasses will also be sown during the autumn.
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