5 step guide to making a wildflower garden

This is a wildflower garden guest blog by Lindsey Jones of the Wildflower Nursery, based in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The nursery grows British Wildflower plants and is proud to be peat and pesticide free.  Check out their GardenTags profile

The UK has lost a staggering 97% of its meadows since the Second World War and as a consequence much of the wildlife that depended on them.

Birdsfoot Trefoil Lotus Corniculatus

Wildflower plants provide pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Many of our native wildflowers are also important food plants, for example Birdsfoot Trefoil Lotus Corniculatus; 160 different species of invertebrates are known to feed on this wildflower, more than any other herb in Britain.

Even in a small space you can incorporate wildflowers into your garden, whether it be a border, container or a mini meadow patch.

Wildflower garden jumbo plug plant

Autumn is the best time to plant out wildflower plug plants so that they establish ready for next year.

So if you would like to create a buzzing wildlife haven it’s time to get planting! Here’s how in 5 easy steps:

Making a Wildflower Area with Plug Plants in 5 Easy Steps

Step 1

Assess the soil type and aspect of the site. Choose your plug plant collection accordingly for either Full Sun, Semi-Shade or Shade.

If you have a particular soil type you may like to try one of the following collections Clay, Sand, Chalk & Limestone or Loam.

If you are interested in attracting wildlife then try the following collections Bumblebees & Pollinators, Butterflies & Nectar, Birds and Beneficial Insects.

Need a mixture of them all? e.g. Want to attract bumblebees in a sunny site with clay soil? Easy, just purchase one of the collections through the Garden Tags Market and you will have the option to send The Wildflower Nursery a message with your preferred mix.

Tip-we recommend on average 5 plug plants per square metre.

Step 2

Vipers Bugloss

If you are planting in existing grass then cut as low as you can before planting your plug plants.

Note – Most wildflowers do not cope well in a highly fertile site as they cannot compete with other vegetation, especially vigorous grasses. You can reduce the fertility by removing some of the topsoil.

You can also plant your wildflowers in a border or well drained pots with peat free compost.

Tip – If you would like to create more of a meadow effect then you may like to plant some Wild Grasses among your wildflowers.

Step 3

Ensure you wildflowers don’t dry out and weed around them while they establish.

Step 4

Make a beverage of choice, sit back and enjoy your buzzing wildlife haven!

Step 5 

Cut back your wildflower area in the autumn after the flowers have had a chance to set seed.

If you follow these steps you’ll soon have a wildlife friendly garden attract a diverse range of animals and insects.

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