Meadow Gardens
Various locations
2022 - current
“We’ve already noticed an increase in birds and butterflies to the area.”
Wildflower meadows, even in small areas, have been a wonderful and informal addition to my clients’ gardens.
With bulbs planted underneath, interest can be created for different times of year.
WILDFLOWER ‘LAWN’
NORTH ESSEX
These clients were keen to replace their conventional lawn with a lower maintenance wildflower area that would be better for wildlife.
Autumn 2022: taking up the existing lawn to prepare for the meadow turf.
With the area cleared, bulbs can be scattered and the wildflower meadow turf laid.
The meadow turf will require just one cut in August each year.
The new wildflower 'lawn' in place.
Teamwork with gardener Lucy Smith: having just laid the wildflower turf it is ready to bed in over winter.
SUCCESSIONAL PLANTING
In order to extend the meadow’s season of interest as well as to provide for early pollinators, we planted spring flowering bulbs under the meadow turf, including various crocuses, scillas, Fritillaria meleagris, Narcissus pueblo and Hyacinthoides non-scripta. These provide a tapestry of colour from late February through to late spring, before the meadow has started growing up.
We also included summer bulbs which were selected specifically for their appeal to both bees and butterflies; Allium ‘Purple Sensation’, Nectaroscordum siculum, Ornithogalum ‘Moskou’, Allium nigrum and Allium sphaerocephalon.
“We are really delighted with our wildflower meadow. It’s hard to believe it’s only been planted since October. ”
“The variety of plants and flowers is immense and we’ve been treated to a wonderful succession of spring bulbs flowering since early March. ”
WILDFLOWER BORDER
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE
My clients were keen to introduce some wildflowers to their garden to encourage pollinators and support wildlife. I persuaded them to get rid of an awkward patch of lawn and I laid wildflower turf in January 2022 with bulbs underneath to extend the season of interest.
Laying turf with spring-flowering bulbs beneath for extended colour.
The meadow border six months after laying the turf.
Photos here show the display of flowers six months later, the following June. The clients are delighted with the results and love this area of the garden.
January 2022: laying wildflower meadow turf
June 2022: mini wildflower meadow in bloom.
“Overall, I think it’s absolutely wonderful. You have captured all that I was looking for and more.”
Bespoke Meadows
As an alternative to using meadow turf, I can provide bespoke meadow sowing mixes. Get in touch to discuss your site and ideas.
Related case study
-
Haven
A garden for wildlife in central London commissioned by Southbank Centre.