The local flower meadow is not only beautiful to look at, but also fulfills an important function in the ecosystem. It offers habitat and a diverse range of food for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. But numerous birds and animals also find a richly laid table, nesting places and breeding grounds there. That's why more and more hobby gardeners are opting for natural garden design and want to create a wildflower meadow. The trained gardener and art historian Anke Schmitz told us which plants come into question and what you should pay attention to when caring for them.
Creating a perennial wildflower meadow: the basic principles
A wildflower meadow exudes natural charm and delights with lush blooming flowers in different colors. The plants in question are very easy to care for - you just have to follow a few basic rules when planting and caring for them.
Flower meadow in the lawn: not a good idea
You often want to sow the wildflowers directly on the lawn and thus improve the lawn ecologically or hide bare spots in the lawn with wild plants. However, wildflower meadows can neither replace nor improve a lawn: the plants are sensitive to foot traffic and are not suitable for walkable areas. In addition, maintaining a lawn with wildflowers is complex and expensive. So it would be much better to have a small oneCreating a new insect meadowor wildflowers to seed the lawn. Another alternative for the allotment garden is the so-called flower lawn, which is made up of local herbs and grasses.
The right location in the garden is in the sun
The perfect location for a wildflower meadow is in full sun. Partially shaded areas near a fence or a tall shrub are less beneficial for the flowering meadow. Most meadow plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
The right time to create an insect meadow is in spring
Most wildflowers germinate at air temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. The soil should be moderately fresh to moist. A good period for sowing is therefore April and May in spring and September in autumn.
Choose bee-friendly plants and create wildflower meadows: expert tips
Wildflower meadows should be designed as close to nature as possible, which is why species diversity is crucial to the end result. A bee pasture consists of native perennial grasses, wildflowers and herbs. It is best to use seed mixtures with long-term bloomers, which can provide food for bees and bumblebees from spring to late autumn. Grasses are an important part of every flower meadow - they contribute to the stability of the small ecosystem.
To our expert
Anke Schmitz
trained gardener and art historian, founder of GRÜNES BLUT
Link to website:gruenesblut.net
Photo credits: Sylvia Knittel
Since 2018 she has been conducting interviews with people who are dedicated to the topic of gardening and the environment. These no longer only appear as free content on her blog GRÜNES BLUT, but also in specialist journals, magazines and national newspapers.
Flowers, flowering shrubs and grasses for the flower meadow
Ms. Schmitz explains which plant species are suitable for the wildflower meadow.
DV:Ms. Schmitz, we are pleased to be able to ask you, as a garden expert, about the topic of “bee pasture”. More and more people want to become active in bee protection. The wildflower meadow is one way to help pollinating insects. But how can you attract bees to your garden? In your experience, which flowers, flowering shrubs and grasses are real bee magnets?
AS: Species of sage, especially clary sage, common sage, thyme and barberry, are full of a wide variety of bees, wasps and bumblebees in summer. Wild carrots and other umbelliferous plants are often very popular with beetles, as is rowan berries. Unfilled roses are very popular with both bees and rose beetles. Thistles are not only well received by bees and bumblebees, but are also often visited by butterflies, which can also be found on the aforementioned Eurasian Dost.
DV: What are your favorite flowers?
AS: In my opinion, meadow sage and the various carnations are particularly pretty. You can pimp it very well with daffodils and camassia.
Creating a wildflower meadow: prepare and test the soil
Preparing the soil is the first step to a blooming meadow in the garden. First the soil is loosened, then stones, dead wood, etc. are removed. The surface can also be worked on with a rake so that it becomes finer. The soil is then left to rest for a few days so that it can settle. We asked Ms. Schmitz what else can be done to ensure that the wildflowers thrive.
DV: What else should you consider when preparing the area?
AS: A wildflower meadow should be created on poor soil, which means that you should first ensure that the soil has been sufficiently depleted.
Sow the flower meadow
You try to distribute the seeds as evenly as possible. The wildflowers germinate in light, so raking can be completely eliminated. At the end, lightly press the soil and then water thoroughly.
Mow the wildflower meadow
DV: What should you not forget when caring for your child in the first and next years? Is mowing part of the program?
AS: In the first year after sowing, always mow as soon as the meadow is around 30 cm high (beer bottle height), so that the grasses are harvested and the rosettes of the flowering plants remain standing. From the following year onwards, mow once around July and once before winter begins. Never fertilize.
DV: Ms. Schmitz, thank you very much for sharing your experience in the field of natural gardening with us and our readers!
Image source photo series: Envato Elements
