Wild flower mix

This is what I've got as of today. The clump of yellow flowers are there from last year. I have a handful of poppies as well. The soil is so poor up there I've decided to put new soil down on top for next year. When should I do this? When should I sow more seed? I might have a go at rooting out some weeds too.

 

Eden1, far, far from being a wildflower expert but don’t add anything to enrich your soil there if you want a wildflower meadow.
There are lots of wildflower plantings down here now and they are an absolute delight and all of them are in poor soil sites
Wait for someone here to advise you about when and how to sow but poor impoverished soil is necessary

 

Hi,

I can understand your disappointment Eden1 but give it time and nature will cover the soil; your plot though looks more like gravel but even so seeds grow anywhere; it's been suggested Meadow Mania are tops for assortments of seeds; may I suggest you send Meadow Mania the picture and ask for a suitable seed mix.

Wild Flower Instant Sunshine Mini Meadow

Our new meadow area has gone ballistic at the top of the mountain but the same seed mix to the side of our bungalow scattered the same day has yielded much poorer results; just different soils; the top area has very rich soil but the side area is more clay.

Keep trying but be patient and you'll get there. Good luck.

Kind regards, Colin.


Our new meadow area at the top of the mountain; as some flowers bloom and fade other flowers then bloom; seeds from Meadow Mania and a big box of very cheap seeds from our local Home Bargains store; this was bare soil a couple of months ago.


The same area at the top of the mountain just taken at a different time; it seems to change daily but it's absolutely beautiful and the pictures don't do it justice; all this colour in only a couple of months from seed.



Our tiny meadow to the side garden; only one type of the mixed seeds has grown these being the tall flowers; the same seed mixes were used for top and side garden only the soil is so different in each.

 

Really impressive Colin. I've ordered some of this seed on your recommendation, if it doesn't work out I know where you live!

I need a bit of advice on my plan of attack. I'm thinking of sowing these new seeds in September over the barren areas. Also should I strim back the existing flowers once they have finished flowering for the year? Probably September as well? I've read that I should leave the cuttings from the strimmer lying on the ground for a week or so to allow more seed to fall.

I'm in hardniess zone 8b.

 

Hi,

Thanks Eden. I need a plan "B" in case your seeds don't take.

I too am new to sowing wild flower seeds so at the moment don't know what to do for the best once the flowers die and the frosts set in.

For sowing though at the top of the mountain I had completely removed the big hedge and shrubs etc; (Blackie; Gale & Thunder are here just knocking off the power supply; I can't even reply on the forum in peace). Then I had to dig over by spade in order to remove many roots and a pile of assorted sized stones; it was incredibly hard work. At last I could use the petrol rotavator Bron had kindly bought me as a prezzie; at first the rotavator bounced around out of control but after going over half a dozen times with the rotavator I ended up with top quality very rich soil that I sank about 3" deep into as I walked upon it.

Weather permitting I then rotavated again early this year leaving the soil raked but bare. Once the really bad weather passed I rotavated and raked again then sowed the seeds in fact Gale sowed the seeds for me; Gale ensures we have a prevailing breeze when she's not trying to blow the bungalow over. I tried scattering the seeds by hand but it was hopeless the seeds landing in clusters so I thought I've had enough of Gale and tossed some seed into the air to see them spread beautifully by Gale much better than I ever could spread them. The result can be seen in the wonderful flower display.

Because it will be the first time sowing these seeds I'd prepare the ground as much as possible removing all debris just leaving the ground bare; depending on the size of the area would it be possible to dig over and remove stones etc to prepare the soil in September then leave it alone over winter; next year weather permitting once again prepare the soil as much as you can then scatter the seed and wait. A lot will depend on your soil quality and the seed mix; I wouldn't bother trying to water because in nature the seeds tend to survive.

With the seed scattered it didn't take long at all until they germinated and a carpet of tiny seedling appeared which remained like this for a couple of weeks then suddenly they went ballistic growing rapidly and densely; it was most impressive to watch.

I can only describe what I did in our garden but no two gardens are alike so give it a go Eden1 and I'm wishing you the very best of luck.

An edit. This might be of use Eden1.

Wildflower meadow: maintenance / RHS Gardening

Kind regards, Colin.


This soil is unbelievably rich but due to having part grass and a big hedge on it for at least 30 years being untouched. It was backbreaking work first digging to remove masses of roots and stone; the hedge and bushes including stumps were a nightmare to remove by hand using a spade. This image shows after rotavating many times and taken early this year after the worst of the bad weather had passed by and the soil no longer like a sticky bog; the whole job was horrible but I'm too thick to know when to quit.



Raked after rotavating ready to accept seeds. This area is about 40' Long x 15' wide prepared to a full spade depth. I'm not surprised the seeds have done so well considering they must have thought all their Christmases had come at once. I was amply rewarded for all the hard work and it kept me fit.

 

Thanks again Colin, lots to consider from your post. Your location looks great, quite steep like my own. Just you have delicious looking soil, you could almost eat it!

 

Hi,

You're very welcome Eden1.

I think later in the year once the seeds have dropped I'll cut the meadow down to about 2" tall and dispose of the debris; I won't rotavate then I'll see what grows next year? Yes the soil is delightful in this area but further down the garden it runs to clay.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

Colin, I've read you should let the debris sit for a week or so before clearing it. This allows the seed to drop.

 

Hi,

Thanks Eden1. Yes I've also read this and once the plants are cut down they can lay on the ground a couple of weeks; the meadow is at the top of the mountain out of sight of the bungalow.

The way the rain has been pounding down I think the plants will be horizontal now without waiting for autumn.

Kind regards, Colin.