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Are you a Guerilla Gardener? Be careful. It's illegal.


Wildflower Guerilla Gardeners use many seed sowing techniques, but most are quick and covert. There are mysterious wildflower plantings popping up in Brooklyn, NY and San Francisco has a posse’ of guerilla gardeners riding skateboards and using parmesan cheese shakers or air guns to blow the wildflower seeds into predetermined areas. They’ve become a San Francisco social media sensation. Others make seed bombs to toss into vacant lots or neglected public spaces. Seed bombs are carefully chosen wildflower seeds and fertilizer wrapped with a substrate which tightly binds them. The seed bombs stay dry and compressed in storage. When they’re tossed into the perfect spaces all they need is rain. The seeds do the rest.


Many of us love the country but can’t leave the city. As city dwellers, we thrive on natures colors and green spaces. Unfortunately, our cities have become overrun with littered vacant lots, neglected public spaces and empty city planters. It’s no wonder why some people have taken it upon themselves to liven things up in the most delightful way. The past few years created the perfect storm for guerilla gardeners.


Beautiful and vibrant wildflowers can be found in every corner of the world. The native species or varieties are specific to each region. For a breathtaking peak around the world here is Britain, Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Photo from SF in Bloom FB page.

This whole thought of turning blight to beautiful really appeals to me so I dug a bit deeper and found two blogs for DIY Seed Bomb making. Sarah West’s blog is good, but I prefer Kendra Wilson’s DIY: Make Your Own Wildflower Seed Bombs. The process seems easy, the ingredients are readily available, and spring/fall is the perfect time to disperse the seeds. Seed Bombs would make wonderful Mother's Day gifts and the adventure of disbursing them would have to be our little secret. Make those memories!


You’ll need information as you start your wildflower experience. For example, it’s important to use noninvasive native seeds. The best information comes from local garden centers, garden groups, and googling. I was pleasantly surprised to learn how many people in my area have the same interest in wildflowers. They were eager to explain, share seeds, and encourage me for my garden. I’m looking forward to planting a combination of seeds that attract bees and butterflies.


I too would like to see wildflowers popping up in the most unexpected places around our towns. Wouldn’t you? It’s time for Guerilla Gardening Grandmas. When that does happen, I’ve heard nothing, seen nothing, and know nothing. Just keeping things legal.


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