In Bialystok, Poland, a new initiative began in 2019 under the City Council's direction to replace traditional lawns with flower meadows or allow green areas to grow naturally. This approach carries ecological, aesthetic, and social significance.

"We aimed to introduce modern green maintenance methods that are also environmentally friendly, aiming to enhance biodiversity, mitigate heat island effects, and locally improve the microclimate while beautifying our city," explains a Bialystok City Hall representative responsible for greenery. Careful consideration was given to selecting seed mixtures, timing and intensity of flowering, and drought resistance. Priority was also given to attracting visiting insects and promoting micro retention of rainwater while cleaning the air of harmful particulates like PM10 and PM2.5.

The deputy mayor adds, "In 2022, Bialystok's floral meadows covered over 8 hectares, and this year, the area will expand by an additional 2 hectares, surpassing our initial goal of 10 hectares. We're nearing 11 hectares. We're also increasing the area of green spaces left unmowed throughout the growing season to 50 hectares, up from approximately 36 hectares last year. These efforts are aimed at enhancing Bialystok's biodiversity and protecting the environment."

Bialystok's meadows serve various functions and boast diverse compositions. Perennial meadows, including multicoloured varieties, cover 25% of the area, while antismog perennial meadows occupy 6%. Annual meadows, both butterfly-friendly and antismog, make up 17% and 36% respectively, with sunflower fields covering 6%, and the remaining area featuring other flowering species.

The floral revolution in Bialystok primarily benefits nature, supporting beneficial pollinators, urban birds, and other small animals. Residents enjoy beautiful spaces and a connection with nature while contributing to cleaner air and climate change mitigation.

Flower meadows also reduce the costs of green space maintenance by minimizing mowing and watering. These meadows are mowed a maximum of twice a year, saving both money and time, while also promoting better health. Studies increasingly highlight the harmfulness of unfiltered exhaust fumes from lawnmower engines and combustion blowers.

Moreover, flower meadows serve a promotional purpose, often positively depicted in the media, which helps advertise the city, its authorities, and its residents in a favourable light. 

https://laka.org.pl/laka-kwietna/bialostockie-laki-kwietne/
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?ll=53.13471207702078%2C23.1340574650685&z=14&mid=15DOZzWRsBEmn201DU5lv4hzawDciJ_A
https://lakikwietne.pl/laki-bialystok/
https://www.teraz-srodowisko.pl/aktualnosci/zielen-miejska-laki-kwietne-fakty-mity-10684.html
 

Direct SGDs: 

• Goal 11. Sustainable cities and communities.

Justification:
The action meets the target 11.7 of SDG 11: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
 

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having flower meadows in the city?
2. What environmental hazards do flower meadows help mitigate?
3. Why is it beneficial to leave grass uncut? 

Piotr Znaniecki
Fundacja SocLab