Over the next 10 years, English Heritage has pledged to enhance and create 100 meadows at historic sites across the country as a natural legacy of the King’s coronation.
Ablaze with colour, buzzing with nature, a treat to the eye and a haven for wildlife: there are many reasons why you might want to follow suit and mark the occasion with a wildflower meadow of your own.
If so, the key to success is a good deal of planning and preparation.
First and foremost is the choice of location. Not all flower species will need the same growing conditions so soil type, drainage and aspect are important to understand.
Flower meadows will thrive where there is low fertility soil, not always an easy growing environment to achieve where there is a high level of organic material and historic farming practices. In some instances, soil removal may be the quickest fix but a more practical solution is often to cut and remove any grass or crops for as long as time allows.
Starting with the cleanest site possible will also support weed control, while incorporating yellow-rattle as part of your eventual plant mix can help prevent the growth of vigorous grasses.
Choose your wildflower seed mix carefully. There are many specialist producers who are able to provide seed through matching the varieties and conditions – their advice can be invaluable. Looking at other local natural sites will help guide which species are suited to the location. For example, fritillaries will do well on wet sites whereas birdsfoot trefoil prefers dry conditions.
Prepare a good seed bed (this can take up to a year to achieve) and drill in the best conditions possible. Keep soils well watered while the seeds establish and top vigorously to encourage tillering in the first year.
Ongoing management is key. There is a balance to be struck between allowing plants to self-seed and cutting and removing to maintain low nutrient soil. Cutting in mid-July is often about right, depending on the season. Use your own experience (or that of others) and an element of trial and error to maintain a flower meadow which will produce year on year.
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