I have fallen in love with the idea of creating a wildflower meadow. I started out in 2005/6 by 'preparing' the ground before sowing a general meadow mix containing wildflower species to suit neutral, free-draining soils. This was completed by spring '06. During the first year, I ke Read more...

I have fallen in love with the idea of creating a wildflower meadow. I started out in 2005/6 by 'preparing' the ground before sowing a general meadow mix containing wildflower species to suit neutral, free-draining soils. This was completed by spring '06. During the first year, I kept the sward cut, allowing the developing perennial species to establish. In subsequent summers I have taken a hay cut in August, letting the flowers and grasses set seed. Here we are in late spring 2012 and I have a developing meadow in which new species are jostling for position. The more aggressive grasses are now receding, allowing less competitive species to flourish.

It is a refuge at the end of a busy day. A little place of wonder and calm and yet, one which is actually so full of frantic activity, that it becomes one living organism. I spend hours just watching the light change.

I want to try to convey the magic which I have discovered over the past 7 (and hopefully counting) years. My hope is that it will inspire you to think about creating one for yourself, no matter how large or small your patch.