Native Wildflower Mats feature sophisticated seed mixes. At least 30 species are present at the time of delivery. Depending on the planting location, many of these will grow and contribute to a healthy, valuable ecosystem with good soil health and rich biodiversity. You can see the results almost immediately after rolling out: a beautiful flowering meadow that immediately contributes to a strong increase in biodiversity. You don't see an equally important added value; that happens underground. Herbs are essential to a healthy, nutrient-rich, water-permeable, breathable and erosion-resistant soil. Here are a few native herbs that we often use in our mixes for their specific soil benefits. Nitrogen fixation and soil enrichment Legumes, such as the various species of clover (Trifolium), are nitrogen fixers. These plants convert nitrogen from the air into a form that can be used by plants. These "green manures" enrich the soil without the need for (artificial) fertilizers. Lucerne (Medicago sativa) is also a nitrogen fixer whose deep roots also greatly improve soil structure. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) also has deep roots that draw nutrients up from the deeper soil layers. This makes comfrey particularly valuable as a soil amendment. Finally, sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is also known as a native herb that improves soil health by adding large amounts of organic matter to the soil. infiltration and erosion control. Many native herbs have deep taproots. This not only makes them very drought resistant, but also creates a deeply permeable soil with deep penetrating air channels and good water infiltration. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is the best known example. Its roots bring up nutrients, and another unique value of the above-ground dandelion is its early flowering: an important food source for the first insects. Other examples of native herbs with taproots include wild carrot (Daucus carota), which penetrates even clay soils, and chicory (Cichorium intybus), which also contributes greatly to soil biodiversity. Plantain (Plantago major) does not have a taproot, but this plant roots very deeply, with all the benefits that this brings, from drought resistance to enriching soil life. Plants with not necessarily deep, but extensive, finely branched root systems also improve soil structure and combat erosion. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a good example. Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) is another example, which also does a good job of stabilizing soil on slopes. Finally, wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare) has a very extensive root system that protects dry and loose soils from erosion. Sustainable Above and below ground Collectively, the herbs in the wildflower mats play a critical role in improving soil health by increasing organic matter, improving soil structure, increasing soil biodiversity, and naturally replenishing nutrients. Flower Your Place Urban Meadow Wildflower Mats are grown on a canvas that prevents root damage during harvest, delivery and installation. Immediately after installation, the plants root into the subsoil and begin their positive impact on the soil. And soil health is just one aspect of how wildflower blankets contribute to a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem. We have several native mixes available for different areas. Ask us about the best solution for your site. Meet us in Brussels Public Space Fair, 27 and 28 March At the end of March, we will be presenting our various flowering concepts, including native wildflower mats, at our stand in Brussels. Come and see the fully organic mats. Of course we will be there to answer your questions.