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CREATING A WILDFLOWER MEADOW
Creating a wildflower meadow from scratch couldn’t be easier - all you need is a bare patch of earth and a few packets of seed. But if you want to create one within an existing patch of grass, it’s best to use plants. Over a large area this could work out expensive, but a money-saving option is to use plugs bought from a specialist wildflower supplier. Try to choose plants that suit your conditions – there’s a huge selection available.
More on making a wildflower meadow
At Longmeadow, where the soil is damp and fertile, Monty has chosen a range of species that will compete with the grass sward he already has. Devil’s bit scabious (pictured above) is a particularly good choice for this situation. It can grow to a height of 100cm and flowers from June to October. Other prime candidates include meadowsweet, ragged robin and meadow cranesbill. -
GREEN MANURE
Unlike other plants, green manures are grown specifically for the benefit of the soil. Once sown, they’re allowed to grow for a certain length of time before being chopped down and dug back in to the soil. Their roots and leaves gradually decompose making the nutrients they contain available for the next crop. They can also help to suppress weeds as well as improve the overall structure of the soil.
More on growing green manure from BBC Gardening
Late summer or early autumn is a good time to sow a green manure. The soil is still warm and there’s a good chance you’ll have space available as crops get cleared away. Monty likes to use Hungarian grazing rye as it’s especially good at breaking up heavy clay soil. Winter tares is another good one to sow now. Both are hardy. -
GARDEN FEATURED
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Bullers Way
Abbotsbury
nr Weymouth
Dorset
DT3 4LA
Tel. 01305 871387 -
WELSH ALLOTMENT FEATURED
Bishop Street Allotment
Bishop Street Allotment
Abertillery
Blaenau Gwent
NP13 1ET -
JOBS FOR THE WEEKEND: CHECK BRASSICAS FOR CATERPILLARS
Caterpillars of the cabbage white butterfly can wreak havoc on the veg plot at this time of year. Tell-tale signs include ragged leaves with loads of holes in them. All members of the cabbage family are prone to attack, including nasturtiums. To safeguard your crop, check over your plants at least twice a week and remove any caterpillars you find. Those of the large cabbage white butterfly are yellow and black, while those of the small cabbage white butterfly are plain green.
More on cabbage white caterpillars from BBC Gardening -
JOBS FOR THE WEEKEND: DEADHEAD DAHLIAS
Dahlias are, without a doubt, one of the stars of the late summer border. To keep them flowering for as long as possible, it’s worth deadheading them on a regular basis. Spent blooms have pointed ends and feel soft, while unopened buds are round and firm. It’s so easy to get the two confused!
More on deadheading -
JOBS FOR THE WEEKEND: FEED CITRUS PLANTS
Oranges and lemons produce flowers and fruit all year and so need constant attention. As the days get shorter, it’s worth giving them a liquid feed every couple of weeks. One high in potash is best such as comfrey or liquid seaweed.
More on citrus care
Credits
- Series Producer
- Liz Rumbold
- Presenter
- Monty Don
- Presenter
- Carol Klein
- Participant
- Tom Hart Dyke
- Producer
- Louise Hampden
