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Almost anyone who dreams of country living has visions of relaxing in a sweetly scented meadow, watching the clouds drift by. That meadow can be right in your front lawn if you don't have ordinances against it. Be sure and check with your local, albeit probably cranky, homeowners association before you try this on your own lawn.
Meadows are generally made up of hardy, native plants that handle the oddities of your climate well. Diversity means that the plants have a better chance of thriving.This means you won't need to water as much, and all of a sudden weeds will be your friends, not the enemy. Butterflies, birds, and wildlife will find the habitat you have provided and within a short time you will have a great little healthy eco-system going. While the neighbors are mowing and sweating you can be sipping tea and watching the hummingbirds.
How to Create a Meadow
You will want to start your meadow in the fall if possible. Planting in autumn mimics the natural rhythm of plants. They often drop seeds in early autumn to lie dormant through the winter. If it works for nature it will probably work for you.
Work your lawn up with a rototiller. Once that is done spread a good layer of compost over it and run the rototiller over it again. Now comes the fun part. Spread your wildflower and meadow mix over your lawn. You can buy one that is pre-made or you can mix your own according to what grows well in your area.
In the spring make sure that the area gets watered if you don't get much rain. Sow a few more seeds to make up for any that may not have made it through the winter. Don't mow your meadow. It will reseed itself year after year and mowing will interfere with that process.
That's it. Pretty darn simple.
Where to Find Meadow Seeds
You can find meadow mix at the following companies online, or you can gather seed pods from fields and meadows established in your area. It is a good idea to talk to you County extension agent to find out what varieties grow in your location. There is just no way that New England wildflowers can compete with the Texas heat. Keep your climate in mind and choose according to where you are. A few of my favorite are:
More Lawn and Gardening Tips
H Is for Growing Herbs at Home
Make a No Dig, Little Effort Garden Now, Plant Easily in Spring
10 Common Un-Green Organic Gardening Practices You Might Be Guilty Of.
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