![]() ![]() 'Spraying when in leaf with a organic herbicide will deal with these, although several applications maybe required,' explains Rob There are a number of methods for how to get rid of weeds. If docks, nettles or thistles are present then these need to be dealt with first to remove them.At the very least the area of grass – or sward – needs to be opened up by 50 per cent to allow for germination,' explains Rob Jones. ‘You cannot sow straight into grass, as this is too vigorous and will overwhelm any seed that does manage to germinate.First 'clear the soil of weeds, grasses, and other plants, to make room for the wildflower meadow to grow and thrive,' explain the experts at American Meadows.'The wildflower seeds will germinate better and have a better chance to thrive in a site without competing plants, grasses and weeds stealing nutrients and water,' explain the experts at American Meadows. Preparation of the area is very important. Prepare the area for the wildflower meadow ‘Often a good guide is to use cultivars of plants you see growing locally along roadsides or field margins and bring them into the garden as you know they are happy in your area,’ explains garden designer Libby Russell (opens in new tab). Looking at the local flora and fauna will help give clues as to what wildflowers will succeed in your garden. Once you have established a wildflower meadow you can learn how to create wildflower seed bombs to augment the planting year on year. ![]() ![]() Turf can be a good choice for where you want to create a small wildflower area in an already established garden and do not wish to wait too long for the results. Wildflower turf: The turf comes on short rolls and 'is an excellent – but expensive – instant option. Wildflower plugs: 'These are great where you want to augment an existing wildflower meadow with specific species, such as wild carrot or vipers bugloss that extend the season of interest into early fall,' says Rob.įor a more natural effect, plant the plug together in groups, about 5 to 7 plugs per square meter. 'Ensure you only use the recommended amount of seed, however, as wildflowers do not grow well in overcrowded conditions,' explain the experts at American Meadows (opens in new tab). Grasses and wildflower mixes take longer to establish they will start to look good in the second year and improve from then on. But germination rates can be variable and the time for sowing is crucial,' explains Rob Jones. You can choose a grass and wild flower seed mix, or pure wild flowers. Wildflower seed: 'This is certainly the cheapest option, and the choice of mixes the largest. There are three different wildflower meadow planting options. Or, if you were worried about things looking messy, then mowing a strip of grass between the meadow and the start of the formal area can look really good,' advises Jennie Herrington. 'You could have both wildflower meadow and perennial planting beds right up close to more formal spaces and hard landscaping. Choosing the correct mix for the location will help it to flourish naturally – the key to a sustainable garden.Ĭhoose between creating a large swathe of wildflowers, a mini meadow, or confine it within a parterre garden bed, where it can work wonderfully against a backdrop of low hedges or shrubs. There are blends for dry, heavy, chalky, moist or acidic soils, in sunny, woodland, waterside and hedgerow habitats. ‘There are different wildflower meadow mixes to suit different situations whether the soil is well drained or wet and boggy the spot is in shade or sun,’ says Rob. The planting needs to be tailored to the conditions. Planting a meadow takes more than simply letting a section of grass grow wild. You do not need a large area to create a wildflower meadow and you can even create a modest, yet colorful and rich wildlife habitat as a small garden idea. (Image credit: The Garden Design Company/ Mark Lord) ![]()
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