A New Type of Lawn

Wildflower meadow

According to the experts at RSPB, since the 1930s, we have lost more than 97% of ‘unimproved grasslands’, so it’s no surprise that the replication of these habitats has become increasingly fashionable in place of your standard lawns.

There are lots of ways that we can help the natural world, and creating a wildflower meadow within your garden is one of them. Not only do they look and smell fantastic, but they are also great at attracting insects, birds and other small animals to your outdoor space.

What is a wildflower meadow?

A wildflower meadow is a grassy area of land filled with wildflowers; it can be as big as you like or reduced in size, for example, in a container. A wildflower meadow will work best if planted in unproductive soil, meaning the flowers will bloom amongst the growing grass.

Creating your own meadow

1. Begin planning your wildflower meadow in late spring and early summer, ready to start planting throughout the autumn months. The soil during autumn will help your seeds germinate and establish quicker than if you’re planting in heavy soil.

2. Choose a place in your garden that receives a lot of sunlight and has plenty of room to grow into. You

Wildflower Meadow

Toolkit:

O Wildflower seed mix

O Spade

O Gardening gloves

O Black plastic sheeting (optional)

O Grass shears may want to choose a border, bed or container to plant your wildflowers, the beauty is, it can be as big or small as you prefer.

3. As wildflowers grow best in poor soils, strip back your soil to ensure that you undo any fertiliser effects and remove around 4 inches worth of topsoil. Your soil should be dug over to resemble breadcrumbs. If you think your soil is too high in nutrients, spend a season sowing mustard or oil-seed rape as these will soak them up for a preferable level. Be sure to remove the plants before they establish. Remove any weeds that are present.

4. Adding a layer of black plastic on top of your soil will cause any weeds to naturally germinate and suffocate.

5. You can then apply a layer of your own wildflower seeds. Aim for an even spread and a high volume of seed application. Tread these into your soil for increased contact chances.

6. Wildflowers do not require any extra feeding as the flowers will provide the grass below with the requirements needed to grow, ultimately reducing the space for your wildflowers. Only water your wildflower meadow if it’s necessary and whilst the seeds are germinating. Avoid doing so after it’s fully established.

7. For new wildflower meadows, cut the growth back and remove any dead material. For established meadows, mow during the autumn and once in early spring. Remove any debris. And avoid mowing between April and August.

8. Enjoy the visiting wildlife. You should see an increase in the numbers of bees, butterflies, birds and other creatures as your wildflower meadow becomes more popular.

Top choice: Rhinanthus minor (Yellow Rattle) Rhinanthus minor is the ideal plant to incorporate into your wildflower meadow. Referred to as ‘nature’s lawnmower’, it offers stunning yellow colour to your garden whilst also halting the growth of any grass. Yellow Rattle will use its roots to find those of grass nearby, stealing any water or nutrients from them, preventing any further growth and leaving plenty of room for wildflowers to bloom.

Types of bees you may find in your garden:

• Honey bees

• Bumblebees

• Solitary bees

Types of butterflies you may find in your garden:

• Common Blue butterfly

• Holly Blue butterfly

• Large Skipper

• Large White (Cabbage) butterfly

• Orange Tip butterfly

• Painted Lady butterfly

• Peacock butterfly

• Red Admiral butterfly

• Small Skipper

• Small Tortoiseshell butterfly

• Speckled Wood butterfly