Wildflower meadows not only support many different kinds of plants and animals, but can provide a feature of extraordinary beauty and endless pleasure. 

How to make your meadow.

Choose the type of seed carefully to suit the chosen site. You will need information about the type of soil, acidity, extent of light or shade and the plants which already grow there. 


The best sites for wildflower meadows are those that are dry, not waterlogged, and low in nutrients. In fact any site which is low in nutrients can be persuaded to produce a wildflower meadow! A great range of plants like dry, low-nutrient sites and the coarser type of plant, like nettles, docks and thistles, find it more difficult to compete with the wildflowers.

Preparation

Prepare your site by removing perennial weeds and their roots. If you have to dig the site, it should be well trodden down afterwards, to make a firm base. Any large stones should also be removed. If your chosen site is rich in nutrients, it is best to remove the topsoil completely.

Water the soil thoroughly.



Sowing the seed

This is best done in the autumn, at the time when the seed would be spread naturally. Meadows can also be sown in the spring but may need watering during drought periods. The seed should be scattered thinly by hand over the whole area. You will need about 5g of seed for every square metre of soil. Rake in the seeds to make sure they are just covered with soil. This helps them germinate and protects them from the birds.

If there is no rain for a day or two, water the seeded area with a fine-rose watering can, making sure that the water sinks into the ground.


Aftercare

The meadow will require care and attention. 
This will involve removing any weeds that could compete with the flowers - this is best done by hand. 
If the weather is hot and dry, the meadow will require watering often. 


Cutting

When the grass reaches a height of 10cm it should be cut to about half its height (5cm). Do not cut it any lower than this or you may damage the roots of the wildflower plants. This mowing will need to be repeated again in 6 to 8 weeks and at similar intervals throughout the first season. It is vital that the cut grasses are removed from the site, as they will enrich the soil if left on the meadow and all your hard work will be wasted.

 
During the second and succeeding years, the meadow will flower in the spring and should not be cut until late June. This mowing should leave the grass and wildflowers at a height of 8 - 10cm. Mowing should then be carried out at regular intervals to keep the meadow at about this height. The last mowing of the season should be in mid to late September. 

Here is a small selection of wild flowers. We will be upgrading  this section regularly.

Meadow Flowers

    Cranesbill, Red Campion, Buttercups, Field Scabious, Cuckoo Flower, Oxeye Daisy

Groundcover

    Bugle, Violets, Strwberries, Ground Ivies, Primrose

Damp areas

    Ragged Robin, Yellow and Purple Loosestrife