I've just made a mini meadow!

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by cutecoot

Just goes to show you can do it no matter how small your garden! Mind you, probably a lot of people would think it really messy, but I love it! Am going to try and incorporate some of the more attractive grasses, and things like plantain (I love those!), plus some meadow flowers .. should look quite pretty by next year

As jez says a mow in August after the seed has dropped but pick up the grass and compost it so it does not enrich the soil.
A flying start would be to put in some plug plants of the wild flowers you like
now

[Jez]

Your mini meadow does go to show how small a space you can set out for nature. I hope it will be an inspiration to others!!!

[Jez]

The hot summer of 2007 I had an absolute riot of inverts drinking from these plants in my wild herbaceous Border...was a marvel to be had and look stunning to!!!

Ox Eye Daisy
Small Scabious
Dropwort
Musk mallow
Dark Mullien
Greater Knapweed
Meadow Cranesbill
Betony
Vipers Bugloss

[cutecoot]

I've got most of those in my border now, Jez, either grown from seed or plugs earlier this year ... probably will have to wait another year before they flower though. The only ones out of that list I'm missing is dark mullien, which I tried to grow from seed but didn't germinate .. which is a pity as it's such a lovely plant, and also vipers bugloss which I'd forgotten about until someone mentioned on here the other day, so that's been added to my seed list for next year!

[Jez]

Forget the media, a riot can be a good thing!

[cutecoot]

Well, I've just cut my mini meadow .. bit earlier than you suggested Jez, but it was starting to look a bit of a mess!! I couldn't believe the number of ladybirds (of varying spots) I found as I was cutting it (did it with some hand shears first before mowing, and rehomed all the ladybirds, so hopefully none were harmed in the process! Garden is a bit lacking in wildlife at the moment, so hopefull that is a start

[Jez]

Of course it's a start Cutecoot, , You can mow a meadow when ever really if you find the need too, it shant harm it only do it good as a cut will aid to lower the nutrients. So don't ever think you are going to ruin your wonderful wildlife paradise, you will only help it even it means delaying the display, which I really doubt!

I'm realy pleased to know you were brave enough to do as you saw fit!