Wild flower meadow

[VirginVegGrower]

Firstly has anyone got a wildflower meadow. Secondly would one thrive under two huge lime trees? The garden is grass with woodland shade on one side, hedge to another which is open and adjoins farm fields, third side Borders the path area leading down to steps and flower borders.
How do you start planting one?

[oldie]

Here's a few links. The third one links to a downloadable PDF. Factsheet: Wildflower Meadows - an introduction Wildflower meadow: establishment / RHS Gardening Advice NE32 - Wildflower meadows: how to create one in your garden

[vicky]

Parts of ours go under some big trees, we've planted lots of bluebells, cowslips and foxgloves. Just choose the plants according to the site. We found the grass so far less vigourous under the trees which makes it easier to establish plants. I grew from seed in modules then planted out spring or autumn.

[VirginVegGrower]

Here's a few links. The third one links to a downloadable PDF. Factsheet: Wildflower Meadows - an introduction Wildflower meadow: establishment / RHS Gardening Advice NE32 - Wildflower meadows: how to create one in your garden

Parts of ours go under some big trees, we've planted lots of bluebells, cowslips and foxgloves. Just choose the plants according to the site. We found the grass so far less vigourous under the trees which makes it easier to establish plants. I grew from seed in modules then planted out spring or autumn.

Thinks for this info, both! Plenty to read there! I have foxgloves already and wild campion alongside the woodland border, but we always mow the grass area. Time to stop now methinks.

[vicky]

You do hear about people stopping mowing the grass and discovering they have fabulous orchids they never knew about!

[purplekat]

Most wildflowers do need to be mown though (although normally only once a year) as they grow in fields grown and cut for hay.

I'd also add crocus and maybe primroses to your list for under trees - some early food for bees

[Two_Sheds]

I've visited two gardens this weekend that have fabulous wild flower meadows growing through orchards ... I'd upload photos, but it takes a week to do so