Classic lawns demand water: and time to get those edges perfect, not to mention those perfectly mown lines (Where do you keep a lawn mower in a city anyways?) while offering little ecological benefit. Wildflower lawns are a haven for bees, bolster the local ecosystem, and are relatively inexpensive and low maintenance once rooted. Sounds good, right? Here are a few helpful pointers to create your wildflower lawn.
Prepare Your Plot
Laying the groundwork is critical to successfully establishing a wildflower lawn. Clear your intended area of all existing grass and plants, ensuring you remove roots to prevent regrowth. Then, till (break up) the soil to a depth of roughly 6 inches and enrich it with a bit of compost.
Select Locally Native Plants
Generally, choosing plants and grasses native to your climate is your best bet for a truly low-maintenance and environmentally friendly yard. Unlike non-native species that might need constant care, native plants are acclimated to your area's climate and soil conditions and will bolster local wildlife. We have a wildflower seed mix which is native and well-naturalised plants that will need little upkeep.
Think about Sun Exposure
Sunlight is vital for most wildflowers, so choose your plot wisely. If your garden is predominantly shady, target the areas that receive the most sunlight and consider other grass lawn substitutes for the less sunlit regions.
Water Often for the Initial Year
While wildflower lawns are less water-demanding over time, they will need lots of watering during establishment. In the initial few months post-planting, it's crucial to maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil, particularly when nurturing flowers directly from seeds. As the lawn matures, you can reduce watering and rely mainly on rainfall. But, during dry spells, you might still need to water your wildflower lawn to keep it looking its best.