One of the lovely plants that is featured in Handbook for Budding Little Gardeners is the ox eye daisy (leucanthemum vulgare).
Why it is important to grow ox eye daisies
Many would consider ox eye daisies a weed because they grow everywhere and without anyone planting them in the first place!
But they are very special wildflowers. You see,ox eye daisies improve the health of the soil they grow on. This is because their roots dig deep into the soil, holding the soil bits together to stop the soil blowing away (soil erosion). This deep root system also helps to keep moisture in parched, dry soil which is very important.
Bees, butterflies and pollinating insects love them.
Come autumn, ox eye daisies die back to provide natural ‘green manure’ for the soil they grew on. They self-seed, which means they come back year after year. They require very little care so they are just perfect for the beginner gardener.
How to sow ox eye daisies
You can grow them in containers.
Sow seed in autumn or spring either directly into a container or seed tray. When the seedlings start to grow, separate them out so that they don’t overcrowd. Keep them in a greenhouse or indoors over winter, and when the frost has passed, plant them where you wish.
Other plant seeds you can sow in autumn
- Poppies
- Wild garlic
- Chamomile
- Cow slip
Cheese Plant Books 
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