British Bluebells

When you think of typical British wild flowers, what instantly springs to mind? For me, it's Bluebells, Pink Campions, Wood Anemones and Primroses. As a child, I was lucky enough to live next to a beautiful, large expanse of natural woodland and loved the Spring time when these flowers would magically pop up, year after year, in shady woodland glades. Seeing these flowers en masse was such a great spectacle and reminded me of the constant wonder of nature. I have to admit to picking small bunches of these native flowers for my Mum... I was taught to pick just a few at a time from each plant to allow the flowers to seed and return next year. I have really vivid memories of my Mum putting the flowers into a delicate glass vase which she always placed on the window sill next to the sink in the kitchen.

Inspired by these early memories, the Bluebell Collection features our native bluebell with their slightly nodding flowers and turned back petals and special sweet smell. We now have three species of bluebell here in Britain and the Woodland Trust have written an excellent guide on how to identify the British Bluebell. If you're wondering what variety you have in your garden, the British Bluebell is the only one with a sweet perfume.

If you fancy growing these native bluebells in your garden, it is recommended that you ask your garden centre, nursery or online supplier to confirm the bulbs are cultivated, not wild and that they are both sourced and grown in the UK. This reduces the risk of pest or diseases being imported from abroad as Hybrid and Spanish bluebells are threat to our native species because they readily cross-breed and might eventually cause the demise of our original flower.

Some Interesting Facts About The British Bluebell

• Bluebells are legally protected and it is against the law to dig them up from the wild
• Easy to grow so you can recreate that amazing woodland bluebell carpet experience in miniature
• A beautiful splash of colour in April and May heralding the start of Spring
• Valuable early nectar source for insects, especially bees
• Good for those shady spots in the garden where not much else seems to grow
• Quick to spread

----

If you enjoy a woodland walk and would like to see some of the best bluebells, here are some great ideas for lovely days out....don't forget to take a picnic! If you live near Cornwall, Visit Cornwall have found some wonderful spots including Mount Edgcumbe where our shop and studio is situated, so do pop in and say hello! If you are further afield, then have a look at Country Files 'Best Bluebell Walks in Britain'. Be sure to take your camera...we'd love to see your pics - tag us @helenrounddesigns #britishbluebell [

Shop The Bluebell Collection