I'm considering transforming a section of my lawn (approximately 4 x 10 meters) into a wildflower area. I've heard that you can buy wildflower seed mixes and just scatter them over the grass, but I'm unsure if that's the best approach. Has anyone tried this? Could you recommend some effective seeds that will grow this year? I'm specifically looking for options that will thrive in my existing grass and don't grow too tall. The lawn is south-facing but does have some shade from a large wall at the back.
5 Answers
Just scattering seeds over lawn grass might not work well since the seed won't establish without good soil contact, and birds might eat them up. I'd recommend scarifying the area or even stripping the turf. If that sounds too much, consider letting that patch of grass grow longer; it can look quite nice! You could also buy wildflower plugs that you can plant directly into the grass, which tend to survive better than mere seeds.
I'm curious about your expectations for the wildflower area. There are different styles of wildflower meadows, and not all of them use native plants. So, it might help to clarify what you want to achieve before choosing your seeds!
You should really scarify the grass first since wildflowers prefer to grow on bare soil. They thrive in nutrient-poor conditions, so avoid using fertilizers or leaving clippings on the ground. While wildflowers like sunlight, some can survive in mixed light and shade, so be sure to check your seed choices accordingly!
Honestly, just scattering seeds on thick grass hasn't worked for me. You might want to try scarifying the area first to improve your chances. Yellow rattle and red clover are great seed options that can help manage grass growth too. If you're buying a pre-made mix, make sure it includes native British flowers since some mixes offer non-native species that aren't beneficial for local ecosystems. Mixing your own seeds with a little sand can be more cost-effective too. Best of luck with your wildflower project!
Definitely look up native wildflower seed mixes online! Many suppliers provide guides on how and when to seed based on your specific situation. For example, the Emorsgate site has a lot of great info if you want to dive into that. They'll also have tips tailored to your garden's conditions.