Take a Walk on the Wild side
By Brendan Little
29 August 2002

Despite all the new trends for decking and patios, for many gardeners the traditional lawn is a must. The lawn provides the perfect foil for colorful planting as well as providing access to the garden. Managed organically this green carpet can become a haven for wildlife, contributing richly to the biological diversity of the garden.

It is possible to have two types of lawn one a formal striped weed free carpet the other a more relaxed green sward containing a greater diversity of plants. If your manicured lawn has become too much like hard work, then why not turn some of it into an organic wildflower meadow.

Organic lawns can be exciting habitats full of variety, and with great value to insects.

When you compare a meadow to a clean cut lawn you can see that one is teeming with life, birds, bees and insects while the mown lawn is bereft of any obvious activity.

So where do you start, well you can simply leave part of you lawn uncut and wait and see what happens, grasses and flowers (weeds to your neighbors) will develop, flower and set seed (many of our native grasses have the most beautiful seed heads). The meadow will need cutting at some time to deter the shrubby species from invading. To encourage spring-flowering species, cut from midsummer; to encourage summer-flowering species mow in early autumn. It is always best to mow on a dry day and remember to leave the mown grass on the surface for two to three days; this allows the ripe seeds to be released.

You can also add to the floral content by clearing small areas and sowing specific wild flower seeds. Do ensure that the seeds you choose are compatible with your soil type.
You can on the other hand raise plants in pots or ‘plugs’ and grown them on before planting out. By planting out in clumps or large drifts you will add character to the meadow.

Autumn is the ideal time to plant bulbs in the meadow to create a spring display. Crocus, snowdrops, bluebells (in the shady spots or beneath deciduous trees) and snake’s head fritillaries are all desirable. As with the wild flowers and grasses do allow time for the fritillaries to set seed before mowing.

The most commonly asked question is doesn’t the meadow look untidy and unkempt?
The simple answer is no, simply mow some paths through it. These paths serve two purposes, they provide access and send a signal to friends and neighbors that you not getting lazy but are rather beginning to garden with nature!
Remember never dig up plants from the wild no matter how beautiful they look.