A meadow rich in wildflowers can make an attractive garden feature, whether you've got rolling acres or only a few metres. Follow our guide.
What to do
Choose an area of lawn that is open and sunny.
Stop using fertilisers or weed killers on the lawn.
Reduce the fertility of the area by regular mowing for two years, keeping the grass short.
Remove all clippings to prevent nutrients going back into the soil.
Plant wildflower plugs in autumn. Make holes about 15cm (6in) deep and 5cm (1.9in) in diameter, drop in a handful of compost and plant plug. Water well.
Put a ring of leafmould or another mulch material around the plant plug to prevent competition from grasses or other plants.
Cut grass at the end of summer. For small areas use a strimmer or scythe (a power scythe can be hired for larger meadows). Rake up all debris.
Time needed
20 minutes mowing per week
20 minutes per square metre planting time
What you need
A lawn
Wildflower plugs
A trowel
Strimmer or scythe
Rake
Watch Carol Klein's guide to sowing three important meadow flowers
