I went to Mow a Meadow…
BY SALLY EDWARDS
I found my inspiration to grow wildflowers from walking the countryside. In Chertsey, no self-respecting local could avoid the Chertsey Meads, a 175 acre meadowland on the banks of the Thames. There is a 4km circular walk, children’s play area, free parking and some lovely wildflower meadow to inspire you. Runnymede also has some of the most beautiful water-meadow in the country of a similar size acreage.
March is a good time to cultivate and prepare seed beds, no matter what you are planting. It’s a good time to suppress and prevent weeds, using a weed suppressing membrane if necessary.
As always there is the boring but important stuff to consider before you sow your first seed. Take the time to read up and create your reasonable wish list.
The first things to consider are your garden’s light aspect and duration. It may be a rooftop or wide open space but wildflowers are not all the same and in fact are rather fussy. Check your soil type and condition; poor soil is often best. And even think about your preferred flowering season. As always, check your budget as turf can be expensive (you can get a great first year of colour but disappointment thereafter as you realise there is no such thing as a quick meadow). Seeds also vary greatly in price so don’t waste your money by buying the wrong seed for your soil or desires.
Once all those decisions are ticked off, dig or rotavate your ground, then rake and firm up as if you are laying a lawn. Ideally let the soil lie for 6 weeks, then sow the seed as per the instructions. Rake and water well.
Then comes the really painful part! You need to mow a new meadow more than you would like. For a new meadow mow every 2 months. Only mow down to between 5-10cm. This is to encourage strong root growth. Remove all cuttings and compost each time to keep the soil poor. Leave some areas and edges unmown to protect wildlife habitats.
Once your meadow is established you can mow each growing season: Spring, Summer and Autumn as per your chosen meadow and conditions. Chertsey Meads is introducing cattle to help with the mowing!
Wildflower meadows are more work than they appear at first, but the result is amazing. A feeling of being one with nature and bringing the wild world into your life. Go wild!