Welcome to the Mancunian Way!
Ardwick's Gateway
Site Statistics
1
Green Route Site
130+
Items Planted
17
Species Planted
Plants and Wildlife
As you stop to take in the Mancunian Way Site, you will see some old, and new friends in the area. Select an image for more information on the species and its importance to local ecology!
The Boarders:
English Lavender
Lavender has long been used to remedy ailments including, anxiety, insomnia and headaches.
In addition to its benefits to people, planting native lavender in Ardwick helps to support Manchester's pollinators such as bees, hoverflies and butterflies.
Daffodils
Daffodils became popular during Victoria Britain and have long been associated with the end of winter and early spring.
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A hardy plant, daffodils will find most spaces comfortable and require little maintenance once planted.
Blue Bells
Blue Bells are one of the earliest flowering plants of the year. Due to this, they are a vital food source for insects.
Bees are known to 'steel' nectar from Blue Bells by biting a hole at the bottom of the flower.​
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Trailing Ivy
Ivy is an important habitat for birds, small mammals, and insects, especially during the colder months of the year. The use of ivy near busy roads is also a useful carbon-sequestering tool. It is a hardy plant and one that can provide a natural barrier against air pollution.
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Sedum
The introduction of sedum in any British urban environment is known for its ability to improve biodiversity. Whilst providing a habitat for wildlife, it also acts as a natural filter by purifying rain water.
More suited to wetter environments, sedum works particularly well in Manchester.​
Helleborus
Sometimes called the Christmas Rose, Helleborus provides colour in winter.
They are an important species in winter months for insects, providing an essential food source.
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Boarders:
The Planters:
Sage
The sage planted here works to improve the soil. When it dies off in winter, sage leaves add nutrients to the ground, improving soil quality. ​
Sage is also rich in antioxidant compounds and acts as an anti-inflammatory and can improve overall digestion.
Feel free to pick some!
Allium
With vibrant summer blooms, Allium is like a beacon for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
They are also a great companion plant, while they attract pollinators, they repel pests like slugs.
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Trailing Geraniums
Geraniums provide a constant food source due to their long flowering time from early spring until late summer.
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Nectar-rich, geraniums are a great addition to habitats by boosting food sources, which in turn helps to improve biodiversity.
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Sea Thistle
Sea Thistle is an important addition to urban environments during dry periods, which are happening with more frequency.
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Due to their leaves having a waxy property, they retain pools of water and keep soil damp underneath, which is an important water source in the summer months.