Tools to help you
Although there are some marvellous online resources for wildflower finding on the go, my favourite approach is to use my phone to take a snapshot; the zoom feature can show you things like ridges in the stems, hairs on the surface and other features that help with identification. A hand lens (pictured) is a great tool to keep in your pocket, although they do vary in price. The basic 10x magnification is a good start. Using my favourite books to look at what I have (over a cup of tea) when I get home is most enjoyable. As time passes I have been able to recognise the plant family, even with my limited experience.
Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder
Field guides are a good thing to take on a family outing. I have included two wildflower gardening books, as there is no such thing as a weed.
Latin plant names are not as difficult as you think - please dip into the subject! The excellent RHS book "LATIN FOR GARDENERS" is fascinating (ISBN 9781784725051) and far better than the dry old school stuff.
NEW! RESOURCES FOR WILDFLOWERING! Excellent resources from those in the know, for residents, teachers, scouting and guide groups... anybody looking to make life perfect for pollinators and pretty for people! Includes a case study from the Bookham Blue Hearts' wildflowering project in Surrey. We will add resources as they are created.
RESOURCES HOMEWildflower Books
Books to help you
WATERSTONES FOR BOOKSWaterstones bookshop in our fabulous Epsom is a great place to search for books on the subject. Their website has a help section for Kindle fans. Happy reading!
Collins Gem Wildflowers
A classic - I still have my 1994 version! Great for beginners (like me). My children and grandchildren could i.d. very well before they could read as the photography is very good.
ISBN 0007448538
Harrap's Wildflowers
Now you are well and truly hooked and want to know more - this is the book! Epsom & Ewell has it all - road verges, woodland, wet meadow, farmland, chalk grassland...off you go!
ISBN 9781408113608
Dave Goulson's Gardening for Bumblebees
You have now reached peak wildflower and want to grow your own! Dave's books are quite addictive. He practices what he preaches in his own beautiful garden.
ISBN: 9781529110289
Carol Klein's Wildflowers
You are enthusiastic but want to mix wild and cultivated - Carol shows you how.
ISBN 9781849905848
Brigit Strawbridge Howard's Dances with Bees
Connecting with wildlife - a personal journey. Brigit, a pal from my student days, is bursting with enthusiasm, knowledge and kindness.
ISBN 9781645020257
I-Spy Wildflowers
As good now as they were during my childhood! We all love an I-Spy and this one is fabulous.
ISBN 9780008182908
Wildflower Resources
A Wildflowering Journey
Interesting case study in simple slides! Colourful and informative rewilding success story taking place in Bookham, Surrey.
DOWNLOAD
Guidance for Verges
To gain buy-in from other residents we need verges to look good and ‘cared for’; some useful tips!
DOWNLOAD
Garden Rewilding
"WILL IT LOOK A RIGHT MESS?" NO! Wildflowers really are for everybody! Ways to improve your growing space for the better.
DOWNLOAD
Yearbook 2023
"WELCOME TO OUR STREET GARDEN" shares the work and experiences of Surrey's Wildflowering Project.
DOWNLOADMore information
SURREY'S WILDFLOWERING PROJECT is a community-led initiative, aiming to build a partnership that enables wildflowering in the county as well as promoting and celebrating the boroughs/districts diverse environments. Do take the time to find out more about the project and if you can get involved, even in a small way, you will make a difference.
THE SCC BLUE CAMPAIGN© The Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder. I'm out and about but you can get in touch via Cuddington Online Facebook 