Planting wildflowers in your garden comes with a whole host of benefits. However, actually caring for these flowers, and getting them to grow in the first place, can be a little tricky.
A wildflower meadow in place of a stretch of lawn can look glorious. Many gardeners assume however, that because of the collective name ‘wildflowers,’ that they can simply sow the wildflower seeds and let nature take its course.
Unfortunately it is not that easy. But with some care and attention you can grow a wildflower meadow without too much hassle! As with all of our products, we provide top quality and flexible delivery services for the highest level of convenience – and this, combined with the following tips, means you can grow a successful wildflower garden in no time.
Plan your wildflower garden
By planning and preparing your garden before you start planting, you can enjoy a natural, bright and colourful wildflower meadow right outside your window, and once you have got it right you can enjoy it for many years to come.
But why bother planting wildflowers?
Wildflowers are in decline, and research has shown that the decline in these native species of flower has a direct correlation with the pollinator decline.
Essentially, these beautiful flowers allow for bees and other pollinators to continue to thrive – which is very important as this process is vital to the success of many food crops and wildflowers.
A lot of plants and flowers we buy these days have been specifically bred to be low maintenance and do well in our gardens, however, because of this they are not always the best for the insects and wildlife that rely on them.
What are the other benefits of wildflowers?
Wildflowers not only look fantastic but they are tough little flowers that can do well with very little human intervention.
Wildflowers attract and sustain a substantial number of wildlife species, they are also great composter’s and can help to regulate water filtration systems. They support a huge range of different living organisms and do all this while looking pretty glorious too!
However, getting the planting right will make all the difference. Use small plug plants which you can buy from trusted growers for a more thought-out look, or, alternatively use a mix of wildflower seeds and simply scatter over your lawn.
Strangely, if you are hoping to create a wildflower meadow you should try to plant your seed in areas where the soil is poor and the grass on your lawn is patchy and thin.
You also have to be very patient with these flowers and may not see much happening in the first year. If you can’t wait try poppies and cornflowers which usually grow very quickly.
Wildflower maintenance
Once your wildflower meadow is flourishing make sure you wait until the flowers have ripened before you cut them. This usually takes place at the beginning of August. You can then cut them again just before the colder months set in.
Try to introduce as many different varieties of wildflower into your garden as possible. The more diverse your meadow the more species of wildlife will appreciate it and the more colour and texture you will add to your garden too!
So if you are thinking of planting some wildflowers in your garden then go for it! You’ll be doing your bit for the environment as well as making your outside space truly special as well.
Browse our wildflower seeds and order with flexible delivery options to start growing your garden today!