For many people, the appeal of a wildflower meadow garden or meadow lies in its low maintenance, biodiversity and, of course, beauty. However, it’s important to understand that low maintenance does not mean no maintenance and here, we look at exactly what you need to do to maintain your wildflower garden or meadow.
When you establish a wildflower garden or meadow, it’s important to understand that different species of wildflowers will germinate at different rates. Some species will germinate in just a few weeks, while others can take several months depending on the time they have been sown.
Maintenance in the First Year
During this period while your plants are becoming established, the grass will need to be kept tidy. First to establish within a few weeks will be nurse grasses which happens within a few weeks, they will be open to allow the wildflower seedlings to germinate in the spaces around the younger grass seedlings. In the first year following sowing, the nurse grasses will require to be cut twice during spring at 5 cm, remain uncut during the summer, then a further couple of cuts in the autumn, again at 5 cm.
Maintenance in the Second Year
During the second year, once the flowers are established, there is a slight change to the cutting regime in that the first cut in the autumn should be done without the mower box attached. This allows the mature seed heads to shed their seed back into the soil.
Leave for 2 - 3 weeks. During this time, the seed heads will dry out and release seed back into the soil, the final cut will tidy the whole area and remove any dead material.
It is important to return the fresh seed from each year's harvest back into your soil, as this will help to maintain a regular supply of new plants for future years.
Seasonal Maintenance of a Wildflower Meadow or Garden
Spring maintenance - clear the ground of any winter debris and lightly prepare the ground, trying not to disturb any established roots. If bare patches have appeared, sow fresh seed.
Summer maintenance – Your wildflower meadow or garden should be watered deeply and frequently during periods of hot weather and drought.
Autumn maintenance – where a particular species has started to naturalise, trim back selectively, to allow other species to flourish. Let seeds drop naturally to create new flowers the following season. Mulch the area for winter protection.
Winter maintenance – your wildflower meadow will require the minimum of maintenance during winter. Leave flower stalks to provide a habitat for wildlife and continue to monitor for any invasive species that could take over.
Soil Health of a Wildflower Meadow
Wildflowers thrive in poorer soil and don’t generally need heavy fertilisation, something that is appreciated by pollinators! Organic matter should only be added when necessary, to maintain a healthy soil microbiology.
Things to Avoid when Maintaining a Wildflower Meadow or Garden
Overwatering
Over-fertilising
Introducing aggressive or invasive species
Wildflowers from Landlife Wildflowers
At Landlife Wildflowers, we grow and supply native wildflower products. Browse our Wildflower Seed Mixes, Wildflower Bulbs, Wildflower Plug Plants and Wildflower Turf. If you have any questions about planting a wildflower meadow, get in touch with our team of experts via email or telephone on 01205 281902 today.
