No Mow May

Every May and October, the municipal authorities send people out to trim the shrubs in the public spaces - and raze to the ground all weeds - or wild flowers, if you prefer (which I do).

This year, this hasn't happened. And it's been blooming marvellous. It's as though the countryside has moved into town. Long grasses everywhere. Common mallow plants that are higher than toddlers. And in some places a mix of red, white and blue: blue cornflowers, white daisies and red poppies. Wonderful.

Some people might think it makes the town look untidy. I think it makes it look more rural and I hope it will become a regular thing - especially since it is aimed, ultimately, at our own welfare. The more wild flowers there are, the more food sources (i.e. pollen) there are available for insects. The more insects there are, the more we can be assured that pollination of various food crops will take place. Without pollination, there are a whole lot of food crops that won't bear fruit, including melons, strawberries and apples. 

And, of course, the more insects there are, the more food for birds. Bird populations have also drastically declined in the last couple of decades. When I moved into this flat in 2008, I would be deafened by the dawn chorus of birds outside. These days, that is no longer the case. Very sad.

So let us hope that No Mow May continues every year now.