Helpful information
Timing: Sow seeds in early spring or early autumn, depending on the individual plant
Where to do it: Outdoors
Garden space: Large garden, small garden, balcony
Timing: Sow seeds in early spring or early autumn, depending on the individual plant
Where to do it: Outdoors
Garden space: Large garden, small garden, balcony
Benefits to the environment
Growing wildflower meadows in your garden is a wonderful way to make headway in improving the decline in the UK for nearly 100 years. Since the 1930s, approximately 97% of naturally occurring wildflower meadows in the UK have vanished. This has a particularly large impact on pollinators, but also other garden creatures, such as bats, birds, and even hedgehogs. Just one acre of wildflower meadow can support 96,000 honeybees per day in the way of nectar. Let alone the many solitary bees that also need our support.
Since the 1930s, approximately 97% of naturally occurring wildflower meadows in the UK have vanished.
David Domoney
Growing wildflower meadows in your garden, in any way you can, will be a real boost to nature. By having a broad variety of wildflowers available, you can provide habitats, space for butterflies and moths to lay their eggs, and shelter for other insects and wildlife. As a result of having more diverse insect life, you also provide more sources of food for creatures like birds and hedgehogs.
Benefits to health
The bright variety of colour provided by wildflower meadows can cheer us up, as can the sight of the creatures they welcome. For example, taking some time to count butterflies, even just 15 minutes has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety by 10%. Plus, bees can have a hand in boosting mental health too. Researchers at the University of Sussex found that spending time beekeeping can be a type of mindfulness, which reduces stress, anxiety, trauma, and depression. Enjoying watching bees in your garden can serve a similar purpose, enjoying the quiet hum in your outdoor space.
Taking some time to count butterflies, even just 15 minutes has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety by 10%.
David Domoney
Plus, the colourful vision created by your wildflower meadow and insect visitors won’t be the only benefit to your mental health. The act of growing your wildflower meadow in the first place can also be hugely beneficial. And not just to your mental health, but your physical health too. Sowing and maintaining your garden is an amazing way to keep active, plus the benefits of getting some fresh air should not be understated.
Wildflower meadows are particularly easy to grow. They can be made up of annual or perennial wildflowers, either sown or laid with wildflower turf. They tend to flower vigorously between May and September, so pollinators have plenty of time to enjoy their nectar.
Annual versus perennial wildflower meadows
1. Annual wildflower meadows
The most popular plants for an annual wildflower meadow are:
These types of wildflower meadows will grow up quickly, offering a sudden and attractive burst of colour. Eventually, the flowers will go to seed, and die back. You don’t often see many grasses in annual meadows, which makes them slightly less biodiverse than perennial meadows.
Annual wildflower meadows will self-seed. This means you can leave your annual meadow to its own devices and most of your plants should return the following year. It may still be worth doing some additional sowing each year to ensure your wildflower meadow looks its best.
2. Perennial wildflower meadows
The most popular plants for a perennial wildflower meadow are:
Perennial wildflower meadows can take longer to establish. Typically, at least two years are needed to flower properly when grown from seed. Being perennials, once they have settled in, they should come back every year for many years to come.
3. Hybrid wildflower meadows
Some wildflower meadows are made up of a combination of annuals and perennials. These often feature a variety of both native and non-native plants. Check the packets of your wildflower meadow seeds to see if they are native or non-native. Native plants tend to be slightly more attractive to local wildlife.
Sowing your wildflower meadow
The seed packets for your wildflowers will let you know the best time to sow them. Some should be sown in early spring, while others are better suited to early autumn sowings.
Before sowing, make sure the ground is bare and completely weed-free. You are likely to have more success when sowing on an area without lawn. Be wary of periods without rain. Water small areas of your wildflowers until the young plants are well-rooted.
As your wildflower meadow grows over the summer, check for any weed growth and remove any obvious ones.
If you don’t have space for a wildflower meadow in your garden, there is the option to grow wildflowers in containers, wherever you are. If you have a balcony or a small courtyard you can still do your part to improve your area’s biodiversity.
Choose a container with holes in the bottom. Add some gravel for drainage before adding your peat-free compost. Sprinkle seeds evenly and sparingly across the surface, and cover with another centimetre of compost.
Water more often in containers than you would the ground, as you are the custodian of your miniature wildflower meadow.
There are so many ways you can help improve the biodiversity of your garden. A simple wildflower area is the perfect way to support local pollinators and wildlife. Not only is it good for the planet, it is good for you too.
On 21st October we celebrate World Earthworm Day. Here are five great reasons to love our wriggly garden friends.
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