Planting a Wildflower Meadow with Preschoolers in Ostrów Wielkopolski | March 30, 2026 | ORLEN. Neighborhood Energy
On March 30, 2026, we organized a special event on the grounds of Preschool No. 12 in Ostrów Wielkopolski. Forty-six preschoolers joined us to plant a wildflower meadow, a colorful, living garden that will soon become a true showpiece of the school yard and an important habitat for local insects. We carried out the initiative as part of the “ORLEN. Neighborhood Energy” program, supported by the ORLEN Foundation.
What is a wildflower meadow, and why plant one?
A wildflower meadow is a planting made up of wild or ornamental flowering plants that require little maintenance while offering enormous benefits for the environment. Unlike a traditional lawn, a meadow provides a rich source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, bumblebees, and other pollinators. As natural habitats continue to disappear, planting wildflower meadows, even on small plots, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support local biodiversity.
550 bulbs and a kilogram of seeds – the numbers speak for themselves
At Preschool No. 12, we prepared 150 m² of land for the meadow. We planted 550 bulbs of flowers such as gladioli, irises, sparaxis, freesias, tiger flowers, and buttercups, along with a kilogram of carefully selected seeds. Each of these plants has its own unique blooming period, which means the meadow will stay vibrant for many months, from early spring through autumn. It’s not just a beautiful sight, but also a genuine feast for pollinating insects.
Children as little gardeners
The true stars of the day were, of course, the children themselves. From the very first moment, they were full of energy and curiosity, listening closely to instructions on how to plant the bulbs correctly, asking questions about the plants, and enthusiastically getting to work. Laughter and joy accompanied the entire event, and the children’s engagement exceeded every expectation. For many of them, this was their first hands-on experience with gardening, and judging by their reactions, certainly not their last.
Ecology starts in preschool
Early ecological education plays a key role in shaping the attitudes of future adults. Children who have contact with nature from a young age and learn about its importance are more likely to care for the environment as adults. Planting a meadow is not just a practical biology lesson, it’s also a lesson in responsibility, patience, and care for something beyond ourselves. The preschoolers of Ostrów Wielkopolski planted seeds today, both literally and figuratively.
We act locally, we think globally
The event at Preschool No. 12 is part of the broader “ORLEN. Neighborhood Energy” program, through which One More Tree Foundation carries out a variety of initiatives for local communities and the natural environment. We believe that change begins where we live – in our gardens, yards, and preschools. Every bulb planted, every insect house built, every child who learns to respect nature is a step toward a better world. And that is exactly why we have no intention of stopping.
Funded by the ORLEN Foundation.
