2022 Slow Food Flower Power

 

This World Bee Day (May 20th) and World Biodiversity Day (May 22nd) throw seeds, save bees and let peace bloom!

Why do we need Flower Power now?

Through the #SlowFoodFlowerPower campaign we are responding to two urgent ecological needs: the need for safeguarding bees and all other pollinating insects, as well as regenerating our planet’s biodiversity.

How to share the love:

On and around World Bee Day (May 20th) and World Biodiversity Day (May 22nd) by

  • Make flower balls (a mix of wildflower seeds, clay and soil) and throw them around in your garden and green public spaces
  • Plant pollinator-friendly flowers and trees 
  • Take a picture and show us on IG: @slowfood_international FB: @slowfoodinternational

Need a hand? Here’s how to make your own flower balls: What you’ll need:

  • Wildflower seeds – from your garden or local garden shop. Our advice is to use native seeds that are part of the local flora!
  • Clay powder — from any craft shop. Can’t find clay powder locally? Try using flour as an alternative!
  • Peat-free compost
  • Water
  • A bowl

Step-by-step instructions:

  • Mix 1 cup of seeds with 5 cups of compost and 2-3 cups of clay powder (you can use clay soil instead if you have it) in a bowl.
  • Slowly mix in water with your hands until everything sticks together.
  • Roll the mixture into firm balls.
  • Leave the balls to dry in a sunny spot.
  • Now for the fun bit! Plant your seed bombs by throwing them at bare parts of the garden or onurban wasteland (neglected roundabouts, flower beds and planters etc) and wait to see what pops up!

Want to plant something? Sow nectariferous plants!

There is a huge range of plants that attract bees, including borage, lavender, mallow, rosemary, thyme, calendula, marigolds and vetch, among many others! But beware: many seeds marketed as “bee-friendly” have been chemically treated and have insecticidal properties so make sure you get seeds and plants that have not undergone any insecticidal treatment.

Trees are also an extremely important source of food for bees and other pollinators. Try searching for native bee-friendly trees such as willow, maple, horse-chestnut, acacia and linden that grow well in your local area, or consider planting some ornamental fruit trees in your garden!