Regular readers of my column will know that, with my husband’s help, I sowed wildflower seeds in one of our paddocks towards the end of last year. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much this year, as sowing seeds in a grassy area can be notoriously difficult. Given that we had decided to sow just two patches in a paddock of almost an acre, I thought I might be asking for too much.

However, not only have the seeds taken well, but I am already seeing some beautiful wildflowers in bloom, and I can envisage what things will hopefully be like in another year or two when these flowers re-seed and spread.

The advice I received from Jane at Meadowmania, who also provided me with the seeds, was invaluable. Jane told me that I would not get good results by simply scattering seed in a paddock, which, to be honest, was what I had initially thought I had to do. I am so glad that I listened to her advice and prepared the soil before sowing the seeds, as the results we are enjoying now are fantastic.

Wildflowers thrive in low-fertility soil and in less vigorous, fine-leaved grasses such as meadow grasses, so my paddock, with lush grass dominated by perennial ryegrass, a very vigorous and competitive grass species, would likely make it more difficult for wildflowers to establish. Given that my soil is heavy clay, I didn’t hold out much hope, but I was determined to try.

We followed Meadowmania's instructions to the letter, ensuring the grass was short and cuttings were removed before harrowing the areas with a chain harrow to expose approximately 50% of the bare soil. We then scattered a seed mix recommended by Meadowmania, a native British wildflower mix suitable for clay soil, along with yellow rattle, a hemi-parasitic annual wildflower that can naturally control grass growth and allow wildflowers to flourish. We lightly rolled the area after sowing to encourage good seed-to-soil contact. The work was all done last autumn, and it was then just a matter of waiting to see what happened.

By the end of May this year, we began to see wildflowers growing, and by early June, the bright red corn poppies and white oxeye daisies were in bloom, along with yellow rattle, yarrow and musk mallow.

A perennial wildflower meadow takes time to become established. In the first year, the perennials develop strong root systems and produce foliage. Any annuals in the seed mix will also bloom. In year two, the blooms are often dominated by oxeye daisies and sometimes by wild carrot, which provide an early display as the perennials continue to establish themselves. By year three, the wildflower meadow will be reaching maturity. The early dominant species, such as oxeye daisy, will start to recede, and a diverse range of perennials will become more established. In year four, we can expect to see a rich, varied display of blooms that will return year after year. I cannot wait to see my meadow like this.

Meadowmania has provided a helpful booklet outlining key information on managing a wildflower meadow, including when to cut and how to maintain it to prevent the land from reverting to a grass paddock. I will share my journey in the autumn, when we are ready to cut.

On a smallholding with a small flock of sheep, we have sown seeds suitable for grazing. Once the flowers have finished blooming, we will allow the sheep to graze, as they will help spread the seeds around. Grazing by the sheep will also prevent coarse grasses from dominating and keep the meadow open for a diversity of species. Sheep are also excellent at removing some vegetation bulk without adding excessive fertiliser, unlike cattle, which helps keep soil fertility at the lower levels that wildflowers prefer. However, it is important to make sure the paddock isn’t overgrazed, as this can damage young plants and expose soil, which will, in turn, encourage weeds. The sheep will only be allowed in for a set period. Traditionally, aftermath grazing brings sheep in late summer through to autumn to tidy up growth, and then the meadow will be rested over the winter and spring, ready to bloom again the following year!

Meadowmania sell a variety of wildflower seeds, and you can find them by visiting their website here.



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