At Landsdowne’s Florists our team are passionate not only about flowers, but the history of the town and county that surrounds us. There is natural beauty on our doorstep that is sure to inspire many and we are proud of the fact that so many gardeners and amateur florists, as well as artisans like us, have joined to highlight the diversity and beauty of the region. This is plain for anyone to see with no less than 10 official nature reserves in Bournemouth alone.
Located on the south coast of England, Bournemouth is a coastal resort town with a population in excess of 190,000. Founded in 1810 by Lewis Tregonwell, the town was initially marketed as a health resort and had been until its founding a deserted heathland visited only occasionally by fishermen and smugglers. Historically it was part of the county of Hampshire, but joined Dorset after local government reorganisation in 1974. Although the area was largely a remote heathland before 1810, there is evidence that the surrounding area has been the site of human habitation for thousands of years, as the discovery in 1932 of a human skull in excess of 5000 years old in Longham proves. Iron Age pottery and Bronze Age burial sites have also been discovered in the area suggesting settlements here in those periods.
There can be little doubt that the heathland previously on the site of modern day Bournemouth was a prime location to find Erica cillaris, also known as Dorset heath. This is a species of heather and is only found in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall in the British Isles. The flowers of this magnificent species are only 8-12 mm in length, are bright pink and undoubtedly added a splash of colour to the area. Today, with so many nature reserves in the area the distinctive pink flashes of the flowers are again in evidence throughout the city. These flashes of colour have undoubtedly inspired florists and gardeners across the town due to the beauty and resilience of the plant.
One of the best areas to see the resurgence of Dorset heath is without a doubt Turbary Common, one of the dedicated nature reserves in Bournemouth. In fact, this is the largest area of heathland in north Bournemouth and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is one of the most important nature reserves in the region and contains habitats such as woodland, wet and dry heath, and scrub. These are home to numerous rare and important wildlife species including long-winged cone head crickets, Dartford Warblers and all six species of British reptile. There are also a variety of plants and flowers such as the carnivorous sundew and the bog asphodel.
Hengistbury Head is another SSI and home to over 500 flowers and plant species, 300 bird species and a truly stunning variety of reptiles, small mammals and insects. Various habitats can be found here including saltmarsh, woodland and heathland. In addition to offering stunning views of Bournemouth, the Purbecks and the Isle of Wight, there is a wonderful wildlife garden and you can also find some delightful local produce from craft gins and beers to sustainable gifts and homeware.
Located next to the River Stour are Ilford Meadows, which are a fabulous area for wildlife spotting and are also home to over 150 native flowers and plants. This remarkable nature reserve has a mainly grassland and scrub habitat which provides a point of difference to most other local nature reserves.
Our artisanal florists certainly find inspiration and fuel for their passions when visiting the various nature reserves located on our doorstep. The team at Lansdowne’s Florists are confident that we are the florists to provide the bouquet for any occasion.
