Picture stepping outside to be greeted with a vibrant and colourful meadow, filled with rich scents and the buzzing of bees.
Now imagine that this wildflower meadow is in your very own garden.
Whether you have acres of land or a modest lawn, creating a mini meadow is easier than you might think.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about starting a wildflower meadow, including what they are, how to prepare your space and common questions.
What is a wildflower meadow?
A wildflower meadow is an area that includes a diverse mix of perennial wildflowers and grasses.
Unlike traditional lawns, they are left untouched and have not been sprayed or fertilised to mimic nature’s ecosystems.
| Fast Facts There are two main types: Annual meadows. Consist of plants that provide a vibrant burst of colour and complete their life cycle within one year. Our expertly blended annual Bursting Blooms Wildflower Mix includes fast-growing species like cornflower, corn poppy, and black medick to provide a burst of colour while improving your soil health Perennial meadows. Take longer to establish, but plants will grow back year after year. Perennial meadows include longer-life species like oxeye daisies and yarrow |
If you are struggling to decide, you can also choose from our Continual Colour Wildflower Mix, which encourages biodiversity and provides year-round appeal, or our specialised Meadow Mix, which is a carefully balanced blend of wildflowers and grasses, designed to thrive in most soils and encourage habitats.
Why should you create a wildflower meadow?
Although they make a beautiful and colourful addition to any garden, wildflower meadows are more than just aesthetically pleasing.
Starting your own is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to bring your outdoor space to life.
Here are just some of the reasons why you should consider creating one:
| – They provide food and shelter. Wildflowers provide pollinators, garden birds, insects, and other small mammals with a source of nectar and seeds, as well as offering shelter and a safe breeding ground – They can help with flooding. Established wildflower meadows can improve drainage due to their complex root systems. They help to mitigate flooding by allowing rainwater to soak naturally into the ground, preventing nutrient run off – They are low maintenance. Once established, your meadow will require very little ongoing care, unlike regular lawns. You will not need to mow, fertilise, or weed regularly. Ideally, wildflower meadows require one to two cuts per year – They can support soil health. Wildflowers are also great for improving soil health by supporting its structure. Their deep root systems can help prevent erosion and compaction, and encourage beneficial microbes and fungi – They are at significant risk. GOV.UK states that over 97% of wildflower meadows have been lost since the 1930s, with wildflower-rich grassland only covering 1% of the UK’s land area. Lack of wildflowers can have a significant impact on our local wildlife, with the World Wide Fund for Nature citing that 33% of wild pollinator species decreased between 1980 and 2013 |
How long does it take to establish a wildflower meadow?
Unlike planting grass seed, a wildflower meadow can take three to five years to become fully established.
However, some blooms may appear in the first few months, especially if you are using a blend that contains fast-growing annuals.
Over time your meadow will start to include a good mix of flowers, but patience is key.
The best month to plant wildflower seeds is autumn, as some seeds require a couple of months of cold weather before they germinate.
Do not worry if you miss planting during these months, as seeds can also be sown in spring.
If you want to add more species and have flowers in the first year, plug plants can also be added in autumn or spring at a rate of five per m².
Can you put a wildflower meadow in an existing lawn?
Yes, you can turn your existing lawn into a wildflower meadow, and it is simple to do!
Here is the easiest way to convert your lawn:
| 1. Stop feeding or using lawn treatments. Wildflowers are not fussy and thrive in low-nutrient soil 2. Continue mowing for several months. Keep mowing to support grass growth and health 3. Remove all clippings. Leaving clippings on your lawn can reduce soil fertility, giving any existing wildflowers the chance to grow 4. Stop mowing in spring. Let your grass grow; you may even be lucky enough to discover wildflowers already waiting to bloom 5. Prep the area (if no wildflowers). Cut the grass back as much as possible, but avoid scalping, as this could invite pests and diseases 6. Scarify or rake. Use a rake to break up the soil and expose bare patches. If your lawn requires a more intensive process, you may want to consider scarifying 7. Sow your wildflower seeds. Choose a mix that is suited to your soil type and sunlight levels 8. Press into the soil. Use a roller or lightly walk over the area to ensure good seed-to-soil contact 9. Water in. Water the area lightly after sowing and continue to do so if there is no rain scheduled |
Can I just scatter wildflower seeds?
There is nothing to stop you from scattering wildflower seeds, but we would not recommend it.
Despite being low maintenance once established, wildflowers require a little preparation initially.
Wildflower seeds need the right conditions to germinate and grow to flourish.
Scattering them on a pre-existing lawn will result in your seeds having to compete with the already-established grass and plants.
They may also be at risk of being eaten by birds or failing to establish roots at all.
Similarly for soil, which needs to be properly prepared before any seeds are planted if you want the best results.
How to create a wildflower meadow
Planting a wildflower meadow is an extremely rewarding gardening project and one that can bring many benefits.
Here are the steps you can take to create your own:
| 1. Choose your site. Wildflowers thrive in areas with lots of sunlight and low-fertility soil, so there is no need to apply compost or fertiliser 2. Prepare the ground. Before any seeds are sown, you will need to cut your lawn short but avoid scalping. You will then need to remove all the clippings and ensure your soil is not too rich. You can do this by reducing the fertility and removing the top three to six inches of soil 3. Tackle weeds. Clear any weeds before planting so that your wildflowers are not competing for food, water, air, and space. You can dig them out by hand or by covering them with sheets of cardboard for a few weeks, as the lack of sunlight can kill them. Once you have tackled the weeds, you should lightly rake the soil surface and leave it for a few more weeks in case more appear 4. Pick the right seed type. Choose the best seed type for your lawn. You should consider your soil type and how much sunlight your garden gets 5. Sow the seeds. The ideal times to sow your seeds are in spring and autumn, much like grass seeds. You should mix your seeds with dry silver sand to help you see where you have sown and ensure even coverage. Scatter the seeds as you walk across the ground, by hand or using a spreader, at a rate of approximately 5 grams of seed per m². 6. Press them in. Do not rake the seeds or cover them with soil, but instead, lightly walk or use a roller to gently press them in. You may need to cover the seeds with netting to protect them from birds. For more tips on how you can stop birds from eating seeds, check out our handy guide 7. Water if needed. Lightly water your seeds after sowing and continue to do so if the weather is dry until they have established 8. Leave larger meadows. If you have a lot of land, watering is not usually feasible or a good use of water, so it is best to wait for rainfall 9. Monitor your meadow. Regularly check your lawn for any sprouting weeds, particularly over the first summer. You will need to mow your lawn regularly in the first year to encourage strong root growth |
Do wildflower meadows come back every year?
Yes, wildflowers can provide a burst of colour every year, but it does depend on the type you have sown.
If your mix includes perennial wildflowers like oxeye daisies, knapweed, and yarrow, then you can expect to see these sprouting up each year.
In addition, some wildflower species are classed as ‘biennials’, meaning that they grow leaves in one year and flower in two, then die after setting seed.
Much like annual wildflowers, biennials will return if they have been able to self-seed naturally.
Ready to create a colourful haven?
No matter the size of your garden, creating a wildflower meadow is a wonderful way to support biodiversity and create a blissful outdoor haven the whole family can enjoy.
Understanding what the types of wildflower meadows are, why you should create one, and how you can, you have all you need to create your own wildlife-friendly space.
Take a walk on the wild side and take our quiz today to be matched with your perfect lawn care bundle.
