How to create a wildflower area within your garden

There was a time when referring to a ‘wild’ garden was often a dig at the not-so-green-fingered homeowner. When they left their lawn to overgrow with long grass, weeds and a menagerie of wildflowers.

However, wildflower meadows are an important part of our natural ecosystem; providing habitats for wildlife and producing diverse types of turf which are compatible with the UK’s varying soils. When planned and planted right, wild gardens can look very pretty, adding pops of colour to your outdoor space year after year.

WHAT IS A WILDFLOWER GARDEN?

Essentially, a wildflower garden is a permanent patch of grass which contains a variety of grass and flower seeds. It often includes both annuals and perennials so you should have flowers blossom with the seasons. Your wildflower garden can occur naturally or be purposely designed, taking on any size or shape from simple borders to rolling meadows.

SO, WHAT’S WILDFLOWER TURF?

Like other types of turf such as Trident  or Shade Tolerant. wildflower turf has been seeded and harvested ready to be delivered and rolled out straight onto your landscaping project. Our own GDT wildflower turf consists of 55 annual and perennial seeds in either easy-to-grow rolls or turf slabs. Meaning you can create a truly bespoke wildflower garden. But where to start?

HOW TO PLANT A WILDFLOWER GARDEN

The team have pulled together 3 easy steps to creating your own wildflower mini meadow:

1. Source a sunny spot

Wildflower seeds and turf love the sun. So, look for a part of your garden which receives the most sunlight. Ideally somewhere quite open and not shaded by trees or structures. Also, consider where you want to view your wildflower patch. For instance, would you love to see it from your kitchen window, or would you prefer it by your outdoor seating area? Bear in mind, wildflowers are intended to attract bugs, bees and insects so if you’re a bit wary of these critters, it might be better to place your wildflowers further away.

2. Decide on the size and shape

The beauty of a wildflower garden is that it naturally requires minimal maintenance. So, if you want a complete wildflower lawn without the stress of mowing, you can. Any sized wildflower garden is great for the environment too, and the best bit is, even the smallest patch of wildflower turf can contain a large mix of seeds. Consider the size of your garden and start by sectioning off different parts to find the right size to complement the rest of your garden’s landscape.

3. Prepare your soil

Like all types of turf, the best way to get the most from your grass is in preparation! To prepare your soil, start by removing any existing turf and de-weed the area. Aerate the soil too, breaking up compacted areas and ensuring there’s sufficient drainage. Rake the soil to create an even surface and apply a loose layer of topsoil.  You can then scatter your wildflower seeds or roll out your GDT wildflower turf . If it’s not raining, make sure you water thoroughly.

WHEN TO LAY YOUR WILDFLOWER TURF

Autumn is an ideal season as that’ll give your turf time to focus on firmly anchoring in and developing a strong root system, rather than directing its energy into flowering. Come springtime, it’ll have everything it needs to fully bloom. Alternatively, you could lay your turf in early spring and within 4 weeks, your wildflowers will be flourishing.

TYPES OF WILDFLOWER GARDENS YOU COULD CREATE

Looking for some wildflower inspiration? Read our ideas below and find the right type of wildflower feature for you.

• Mini meadows – if you’re lucky enough to have a lot of land, you could transform all or a large part of it into a wildflower meadow.
• Pick a patch – create a focal point within your garden and select a sun-soaked spot for a colourful wildflower feature.
• Pots and planters – for smaller gardens, or those looking to try out wildflowers, you could opt for wildflower seeds and pack out pretty pots to dot around.
• Wildflower strip – make a statement by segmenting a single strip of your grass with wildflower turf. It can also help shape or section your garden’s landscape.
• Enhance features – if you have an outhouse, pond or seating area, turn them into a focal point by decorating them with a wildflower border.
• Fill out flowerbeds – switch up your raised flower beds by creating a raised wild garden, creating a lovely place for bees to buzz.
• Brighten borders – this is a great solution for those who struggle to mow right up to the edge of their lawns, as a wildflower border provides a natural finish to your turf.

THE BENEFITS OF WILDFLOWER TURF

With an increase in industrial and residential developments, our natural wildflower meadows are rapidly diminishing. Destroying wildlife habitats and limiting pollination which impacts the diversity of fruits and flowers. As well as our countryside losing its natural floral beauty.

If we all start including a small wildflower area in our gardens, we’ll quickly grow numerous benefits for ourselves and the environment, such as:

• Attracting more wildlife
• Providing food for bees
• Strengthening our ecosystem
• Designing gardens with low-maintenance
• Growing a diverse range of flowers
• Improving physical and mental wellbeing

SOW YOUR WILDFLOWER GARDEN TODAY

If you’re ready to grow or are looking for some extra support for your wildflower landscape, get in touch with our friendly team today. We can offer the best advice to suit your garden and book your wildflower turf delivery straight away.