March 01, 2019

MAKE YOUR OWN MEADOW

Words by Jessica Peace

Wildflower fan? Wildlife lover? Bored of your lawn? Lazy with your mower?... All of these are reasons to get rid of your lawn and plant your own wildflower meadow.

WHEN DO I DO IT???

Traditionally you can sow in autumn or early spring, but for a heavy clay like here in London early spring (now!) is best.

CHUCK’EM IN!

First get your ground ready, give it a good fork over and then rake it until you can imagine those seeds slipping in. If you’re into your specifics then the general measurement is 4g per square metre.

Or if you prefer livin’ on a prayer you can make a guesstimate/ take a handful and see what happens. Throw your seed and try to make an even covering and then turn your rake over and squash in gently.

NO LAWN?

(Neither have lots of us) Don’t matter, you can make mini-meadows in window sills, pots, raised beds or if you want scale find a bare patch of overlooked lawn in your area.

THE FLOWERS

Annual? Biennial? Perrennial?... Basically your annuals will flower this summer, kick the bucket then self-seed and pop up next year if you’re lucky; your biennials will flower next summer; and your perennials are playing the long game, they might not give you the goods until next summer but they will keep coming back. If you’re impatient by nature make sure you’ve got some annuals in your mitts.

There are TONS - but here are a few to start you off…

FOR YOUR FIRST AID KIT

Evening Primrose (perennial) (pictured)

St. John’s wort (perennial)

Eyebright (annual)