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I came across this strain of cowslip for sale - from the Internet I found it seems to be a particular stain that does well in pots, is compact and flowers uniformly. It does seem ironic that people who buy it are wanting a slice of the 'wild' in the garden but end up with a man-made 'selection' which presumably outsells the non-uniform 'natural- selection' types!
I'm expect its enormous size in comparison to the ones in my garden (probably from Thompson & Morgan seed!) is due to its growing conditions. (Caprillo is on the right still in its pot)
In hindsight I would like to have got all my wild flowers from a local source but this doesn't seem an option for most people - the best way is to get involved in local Conservation groups where it may be possible to beg some local seed from other members.
But it is encouraging that Native wild flowers are becoming popular enough to warrant such treatment and if it encourages people to appreciate our native flora and fauna then its all for the good.
We moved to this garden (and house) last Aug, so missed spring, so you can imagine my joy when I discovered we have cowslips growing in what passes for lawn here (hollow laugh,) it's a mixture of densely packed dandelions, moss on the lower slopes, fungi in the autumn, white clover and cowslips dotted around, not many but some and some small primroses. As I have loads of cowslip seedlings that I grew from seed I collected from some I had in a previous garden I am delighted they do so well here - I shall replace some of the dandelions with them:-)) Needless to say, I LOVE cowslips:-))
I have bought some cowslip seeds this year but on reading the packet I see you have to sow them and then put the pot in the bottom of the fridge for three weeks!!....(Just trying to persuade the wife that this is actually a good idea!)
I like your idea about buying local seed, this is something I tried to do with primroses but without any success yet! I had a load of native/natural primroses in my old garden (14 doors up the same road!!) but unfortunately none in this one, due to the time of year and speed that we moved I wasn't able to bring any with me which is a shame.
I also have a packet of primrose seeds but they need the fridge also!!.....LOL