Biodiversity friendly planting scheme in Limerick City

Along with the native Irish flowers we have also planted Irish shrubs and trees that will enhance the biodiversity over the leaner months of the winter. Our Ronan tree is doing really well 2 months after planting

                                                     A close up of some of the poppies

                                                 St Mary's cathedral Limerick in the background

                                                 More poppies and a range of wild Irish flowers

3 months after planting and the Irish flowers and doing very well. We have not added any fertilizers or insecticides.

Native shurbs and trees being planted by city council among early growth native flowers

Non native shrubs removed

(week 6)

Green Shoots of native wildflowers
(week 3)



After spreading wildflower seeds
(week 3)

Native wild flowers and shrubs are being planted in a small patch of land in the heart of Limerick City to attract and sustain biodiversity in the city centre. The planting scheme is designed to have at least some plants flowering or in seed each month so to provide a continuous source of food for native biodiversity throughout the seasons. 

The plants will provide flowers in the spring and summer months and seeds in the autumn/winter months to attract over 20 of the more common bird and 16 butterfly species as well as provide seed feed for seasonal bird visitors like the goldfinch. Native species that are presently struggling like the Irish honey bee will have continuous source of readily available nectar and pollan throughout the year. The plants and shrubs will also give splashes of colour each season.

It is also hoped, in time the Irish flower and shrub bed pilot project will act as an educational platform for visiting schools and community groups with the possibility in future of rolling out the project throughout the city. The possibilities are endless as vacant brownfield sites can be utilised into busy hives of activity and make biodiversity an intrinsic part of city life and environmental education.