When you mentioned chicory, I peeked up because my grandmother used to put it in her coffee pot (percolator!). She was born in 1897 and lived until the year 2001.
Yes, great tips. As I'm now 69 years old, this is the sort of thing I wanted. It should both make the garden look good and encourage wildlife and insects without all the heavy labour every year. Many thanks - oh and Subscribed and 'belled'.
🌼🐝🌻I’m Back for another update of your beautiful garden. It’s amazing to see the changes in your plants over time. I love watching my garden grow a little each day, that is my favorite part of gardening. I am making garden videos too on my own channel. It’s so fun to have the growth documented over the season. I still have so much to learn in this area. I hope we can learn more from each other!
Absolutely brilliant video. I’ve said it before: this guy has a gift for gardens and TV. A better face of TV gardening I can’t imagine! Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration!
Ahhh cheers mate!! What a nice comment to receive! I’ve got yet more guides in the pipeline coming up. I’ll keep banging on the doors to help shake up the gardening world to make it more accessible for all!! Happy Gardening. Lee
This fills my heart with happiness, i love meadows and am looking forward to getting my hands dirty in the garden, i must admit it really saddens me to see how many block paving driveways and hedges torn up, yes simple and clean cut but no help to nature... thanks for the info glad to come across your channel 💙🧡💛👍x
Cracking videos ... inspirational, down to earth and you even include Barry in your designs/plans...You ought to be on tv! A truly gifted gardener. I’m applying to be your gran! 🤣😂
Thanks so much Suzi. I’m glad you’re enjoying my content. I absolutely love helping new gardeners succeed. So glad it’s coming across that well! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿 (and Barry!) 🐶
This video is therapy. I am thinking about starting a wildflower meadow in my back yard in the next year or two and this seems like a helpful channel. Thank you for sharing!
I cant tell you how happy I am to have stumbled across your site. I came back to the UK for a holiday in Jan, and due to circumstances have been helping my elderly mum. The garden has been a salvation for both of us, and we have really worked to make it as pollinator friendly as possible. Our next step is wildflower meadow, which for our 50 plus year mature garden is going to be an exciting step. Thank you for all the inspiring videos and tips you put out.
Hi James. What a fantastic comment to pop up on my feed. Brilliant! I’m so glad that gardening has been a salvation for the two of you. It certainly has been for me most of my life. There’s a whole series on here about wildflower and wildlife gardens so make sure you subscribe to watch more of my guides. There’s over 100 on this channel. Keep up the positivity and happy gardening! Lee
Thank you for this lovely video. I have been creating annual meadows for a couple of years, looking to incorporate some perennials in there also. Great information. Thank you again for sharing. Really enjoyed it.
Thank you, Lee, I really enjoy watching your videos and this one is one of my favourites. I'm looking forward to seeing how your wildflower meadow progresses this year.
Cheers Debbie. I can’t wait for the spring to come so the meadow can wake up-back to life. Busting to get up and sit in the rest area within the meadow. I’ll post an update as soon as it happens! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿
Hehe thanks Edita. Hello from the UK. I visited Melbourne Botanics gardens a few years back which was gorgeous. Barry says hi too. Happy Gardening. Lee
I live in the country and my family owns part of a field, but we rent it out to a local farm to plant corn on. By the field tho is a big area where the raspberry bushes have taken over. It gets lots of sun, so I’m turning that into my wildflower meadow! I just finished pulling up raspberry bushes and honeysuckle trees! It’s hard work but I think it’ll be worth it!! I’m thinking of taking some of the flat rocks from a pile beside our field and using them to create a border.
I will try this and plant wild flowers next spring in my meadow.I can section off an acre and create a beautiful wild flower area and the horses can graze the other acres and not disturb the wild flowers.
Thanks Feeltheforce10. There’s even more detail on my blog here for extra tips. It’s a wonderful way to create a wildlife friendly and low fuss garden space! www.gardenninja.co.uk/how-to-create-a-wildflower-meadow-the-easy-way/ Also make sure you subscribe for even more garden design guides. Happy gardening! Lee
Hola , me parece admirable que alguien tan joven tenga tanta pasión por la jardinería y plantas , veo que produces por semillas las plántulas , me cuesta un poco entender ya que no hablamos el mismo idioma . Suerte en tus proyectos.
hi we really liked your video! its always great to see someone helping nature. i have been subscribed to you for years! but have joined up with my girlfriend to make a new channel so its my first time commenting from our new channel! im a profession gardener and have put up a video about going from petrol to electric with the ego cordless range. i think its something that you might like!
I never knew that about toad flax! Thank you~ could you share the greenhouse you have? I am struggling with finding a 4 seasons with the snow in my area Yours looks lovely and sturdy
Hi Christi! Great to hear from you. It’s a reinforced greenhouse from a company called the greenhouse people here in the UK. It’s survived all of the recent storms as is great quality!! Happy growing. Lee 🥷🌿🤘
Hi Vagabond. Many thanks for your compliments on my gardening guide! It depends on whether you’re going to totally wildflower the area or intersperse the flowers like I have done to allow other natural wild flowers emerge. One tip I’d give you is to look at native wild flower seed mixes online and then view their sowing per m2 advice to get the true measure. Also I grew mine from seed as plug plants so you would probably need more if broadcast sowing as the germination rate will be lower. Happy gardening! Lee 🥷🌿🤘
Thank you for your quick response. I intend to do exactly as you have done with 400 seeds into plugs to be planted. So my question is how much area does that cover please? All the best.
Plz could you do themed gardens i.e jungle garden, Mediterranean garden and Japanese inspired garden? I just want to see more of your creative ideas in a garden. Could you make your own water features and show us how u did it? I just need more videos for ideas.
Hi Denise. I don’t get many jungle gardens here in the North West! 😜 When I get a suitable client who is happy for me to film one of these styles I certainly will. Checkout my site though I’ve got Japanese garden design tips on there. Happy Gardening! Lee
Hi Woodlands. You could use a sweeper to collect the debris or collect with a mower instead. That is unless your scything. If so use a rake to pile up your cutting and then compost. Hope that helps! Happy meadowing!! Lee 🥷🌿
Don’t panic too much. As long as you remove as much as you can that’s sufficient. Some people panic that any dropped grass will then increase the fertility preventing wild flowers but you’ll be fine. Everything in balance and best endeavours my friend! Lee 🥷🌿
Around 60cm in this garden. Given the plants ultimate growth. There’s lots more detail here Keith if you want to find out more! Happy Gardening. Lee www.gardenninja.co.uk/how-to-create-a-wildflower-meadow-the-easy-way/
Hi Connie. Well most wild flowers prefer really poor soil. So you should be in luck! There are specialist seed companies that create blends for different areas and geographies. But don’t be put off! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿🙌
This video is fantastic, exactly what I've been looking for, thank you so much! I just have a question about timings... is there a particular time of year when I should plant out the wildflowers out into the lawn? And if I'm growing from seed, do I have to sow the seeds to grow seedlings at a particular time of year? Thanks so much
Hi Phillips. You want to show your seeds March to April under glass ideally. When they’re big enough you can then plant them out in June July and keep them well watered. There’s more detail here for you. www.gardenninja.co.uk/how-to-create-a-wildflower-meadow-the-easy-way/ Happy gardening. Lee
Hi Joe. You could grow these on a window sill indoors. You need to sow these early spring. Don’t sow them now or they won’t germinate given the low temperatures. These plants are seasonal so follow the seasons cycles. They will come back every year. If you want more guidance in sowing seeds checkout my guide here. ruclips.net/video/DICGT44SMSs/видео.html Happy Gardening! Lee
Fantastic, well done! Will look great once growing 😎 proves anyone can have a wild meadow regardless of size of garden. I need some units like yours for hardening off 😎 might order Toadflax seeds as if yellow rattle is annual then Toadflax may be a good fuss free perennial to sustain attack on grass. Will the rest of these seeds be good for clay soil, North, windy aspect?
Hi Donna. Many thanks for your lovely words. Unfortunately most meadows need a good portion of sun and also free draining soil. I’m guessing with you being north facing there’s a fair amount of shade? What you could do with a heavy soil is use the same meadow planting style but with more shade loving plants. More like a woodland border. Using herbaceous perennials will help get that high value for wildlife though! Oxeye daisies will grow pretty much any where. Achillea and Elecampane need full sun. Have a look here for some unusual shady plant ideas!! Hope that helps. www.gardenninja.co.uk/top-10-shade-loving-plants-for-difficult-borders/
@@Gardenninja Hi Lee, hmmm, it is shady along the fence line but I plan to grow trees and climbers suitable for there. No real areas of shade as the garden is a large open space with a public woodlands/path at the bottom. May be lucky. Will take a look at the link and incorporate some to see what does best. I don't think we are quite true North, NNE perhaps 🤔 thanks for the links, will be a help 😁 have a good day
Thanks for the great video. I was just wondering about the Linaria vulgaris being called a parasitic plant. Is this just a way of saying it competes well with the grasses growing near to it as I can't find any mention of the toadflax being a parasitic species in the way yellow rattle is a hemi-parasite in any of the botany sites I have found about the toadflax? Happy gardening!
Yes you’re right. Thanks for seeking clarity. I love discussions about is it isn’t it with plants!! It’s a bit of a strange one and you’re right not much is written about it. It’s not ‘truly’ parasitic where it latches onto roots like the hemi-parasite Yellow Rattle. So you’re wise to point that out. It’s been hard for me to truly classify it other than a parasitic plant due to the fact it quickly outcompetes and smothers grass in particular. Given the fact it leaches resources away from surrounding grasses ie stealing the water and nutrients from them. Bit of a rare one really in terms of definition. Maybe there’s a more apt term? Guess parasitic is the broadest way to describe it for me anyone. In America for example it’s listed as an invasive species but it’s really not here. It’s not going to totally destroy your lawn but will happily spread itself. Everything in balance! Hope that helps! Here’s some more Uber detail on it. www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/30828#tosummaryOfInvasiveness Happy Gardening! Lee
@@Gardenninja Thanks for making that clearer. I did see that page you gave a link to when I was trying to find more detail on the Linaria vulgaris. I think since it is a native plant here it is not counted as being invasive in the same way with that being an American site and it probably has a variety of bugs that will keep it some way under control in Europe. Looks nice so I hope it works out well in your garden. That information page highlights how it is not grazed by farm animals so might give it a skip here as my own garden is surrounded by fields grazed by the girlfriend's family farm animals and if I brought in something that interfered with that I might be in trouble. The common daisy and clover are nice in the lawn here already so no plans to add anything else at the moment. All the best!
Hi Lee I'm new to your channel and to gardening, I've caught the bug and I want to learn everything!, Theres so much to learn!!. Your videos make me feel immediately happy and inspired, (my partners name is Barry so your poochie makes me laugh). I want to make a bee friendly garden and this is a great place to start. I don't know much so please forgive my questions. So these plants you have chosen here will come back each year? Also I really like alliums would they be OK? Last question, would a small weeping cherry tree in a meadow garden look really out of place you think? Thank you so much!
Hi Sandra, Thanks for your kind words! Yes all of those plants are perennial so they come back year after year. If you want a weeping cherry why not! Have as look at my website www.gardenninja.co.uk for hundreds more guides and our forum for questions. Happy gardening! Lee 🥷🌿
I have left an area approximately 3x5 meters in my south facing garden in London uncut for the last 3 weeks. You say to plant some wildflower plants I should cut the grass quite short first. Then cut out a piece of lawn each time I plant one. This I can do. I would like perennials so will choose varieties you suggest. Can this be done in April? Unfortunately I won’t be growing from seed . I will have to purchase young plants from a garden centre. I am an absolute novice so any advice would be appreciated Thanks Terry 👍
Hi Terry. If you’re a novice I would maybe look at buying wild flower plug plants or rolled turf from an online specialist. I doubt you’ll be able to pick up the plants I’ve used in a. Garden centre without growing some from seed. The plug plants are a good idea and you literally use a trowel to plop them in. Easy!!! Good luck and let me know how you get on! Happy planting. Lee 🥷🌿
I live in a small house but have a long narrow front lawn that I want to change into a small meadow. The thing is I don't have a greenhouse nor the space to grow lots of the plants beforehand. Is it possible to grow the meadow by planting the seeds directly into the soil? Thanks
Yes of course. However the chances of germinating are lower when sown directly given competition from other seeds abs the fact you can accurately regulate the temp for germination. Definitely give it a go and maybe sow a few in pots on a window sill! Good luck! 🥷🌿
Thank you this is great and I realsie quite a few of the flowering pklants you recommend I know which is alwasy encouraging. Can I ask are there any wildflower seed packs that you would recommend?
Hi Suzan. If you’re looking for an annual wildflower meadow (one that needs to be reseeded every year either manually or by leaving the meadow to scatter its seed) then you can pick different meadow seed mixes for both your soil type and aspect. If you Google wild flower meadow mixes you will see companies selling them. Or you can follow my perennial meadow approach which doesn’t require seeding after you first grow your meadow plants which can be a bit easier for newer gardeners! 🥷🌿🙌 Happy growing! Lee
Hi random Q! How do i control /get rid of grasshoppers? I had a few last year and didnt think anything of it, but this year theyve multiplied 😭😭😭😭 for a UK based garden in the Midlands! Thanks!
Hey Hafezi. Why would you want to get rid of them?! That shows you’ve got a really diverse garden! I’d say let them be and enjoy your wildlife friendly garden! Lee
Hi Dexter. A lot of people rush sowing seeds and end up burning through fuel to keep their greenhouses warm. However you don’t really get that far ahead compared to waiting. I’d sow mine under glass mid march. Second week in the UK. Most perennials will take around 3-4 weeks to germinate. Another month or so before pricking out potting on. Aim to have them ready to plant by June to July ready for next years flowers. Happy gardening! 🥷🌿🤘
Also Lee, just planted a meadow for next year by seeding, I threw the seed down and trod it in but I feel I should be raking it in, should I? Would love to do what you did but mine is bare soil and have no green house.
Hi Adrienn. This playlist has updates one year on along with this years summer gardening tours on my channel. Enjoy!! ruclips.net/p/PL7HK5RsLCR9c_wQkYGdq112aAiTkJMAg8 🥷🌿🤘
I have a 100 ft patch of uncultivated soil that I would like to turn into a wild meadow. It has been weeded, the soil turned and raked. It has no Lawn or other species on it. How do I know if it has is a rich soil or a poor soil, and what is the difference? Also, if I plant an Annual Wild Flower meadow, now, then will I see the results before the summer? And, is now a good time to simply scatter the seeds over the soil and allow nature to do its thing ?
Hi Rev. Good to hear from you. Rich soil is usually a good mix of clay and or dark rich organic matter if your soil is very light almost dusty you’ll know it’s a poorer soil. Don’t panic too much though. Seed will germinate when it’s ready. You simply don’t want to feed or add any more nutrients to your soil. One thing I’d say with an annual mix is that each year it will deplete unless you’re really diligent with shaking the seed heads abs trampling the meadow. Simulating cattle etc. Maybe think about wildflower turf with perennial species for an easier meadow. You can also buy mixes of annual and perennial meadow seed so I’d recommend considering that. Happy wilding up! Mother Nature thanks you! Lee 🥷🌿
@@Gardenninja Thank you so much for your reply. I have completely weeded and prepared the ground now, ready for planting. But about 1/3 of my plot falls under shade which makes it unsuitable for Meadow plants, as they have evolved to rely on lots of sunlight. I was wondering if you could recommend some flowers (annual or perennial ) that can thrive in the shade. My soil is quite rich in clay, but I have mixed in a good layer of fresh compost with the topsoil. The types that my own research has shown up are as follows: 1- Siberian Iris. 2- Purple Loosestrife (May be unsuitable for shade) 3- Lobeilia Cardinalis (Queen Victoria) 4- Primula Vialli (Orchid primrose) or other Primula sub-species. 5- Cyclamen Coum (Flowers in winter, but I'm open to that) Are just a few that have caught my eye and visual taste. What are your thoughts or alternative suggestions ? BW Rez
Hi TheRobblue. I’ve grown all of mine by seed but maybe checkout Bluebell Cottage gardens. Best herbaceous independant nursery around the north west! Happy planting. Lee 🥷🤘🌿
Hi Thomas. You can, but the uptake is going to be very slow and patchy. Especially with annual wildflower mixes. Those flowers that grow, flower and die in one season. Perennial wildflower mixes should be sown the autumn before you want them to establish. The turf will always out compete the wildflowers. However what you can do is leave part of your turf wild and you’d be amazed what perennial wildflowers may emerge that are lying dormant. Another alternative is to grow trays of wildflower seeds in a greenhouse then slice and remove portions of turf and then lay them in once they have established. Hope that helps. Happy wilding up your garden! Lee 🥷🌿🤘
Hi Useyourbrain, that’s one way to create an annual wild flower meadow that needs to reseed each year. However with half an acre I wanted to create a perennial wildflower meadow to reduce the maintenance. Also with perennial plants they take a lot longer to germinate so I chose to grow them as plugs first. If you watch the series from the start I go into detail about why I’ve chosen perennials. Happy gardening! 🥷🌿🤘
its ok to build a wild flower meadow, but maintaining the meadow, not allowing it to be grown over. I've seen loads set up and most ruined from lack of maintenance. Shame really cos they are nice
You’d think so but the meadows been a raring success with these herbaceous perennials. Had a pretty much 80% success rate in year two so not bad! 🥷🤘🌿 Happy Gardening! Lee
How strange? Wonder why they dig up wild flowers? What secrets lay hidden beneath? Maybe an old packet of pork scratchings. Hope the foxes move on! Happy gardening! Lee 🥷🌿
I come, I see a dog in a wheel barrow, I subscribe.
😂😂😂 He’s called Barry! Welcome to the Ninja subscribers! 🥷🐶🌿 Lee
When you mentioned chicory, I peeked up because my grandmother used to put it in her coffee pot (percolator!). She was born in 1897 and lived until the year 2001.
Hi Kathryn. What a great memory and Yes! It’s commonly known for a coffee substitute used on percolators. Happy gardening! Lee
Yes, great tips.
As I'm now 69 years old, this is the sort of thing I wanted. It should both make the garden look good and encourage wildlife and insects without all the heavy labour every year.
Many thanks - oh and Subscribed and 'belled'.
Thanks John. Really glad it’s useful and less labour intensive. Good luck with your low fuss wildlife meadow! Lee
🌼🐝🌻I’m Back for another update of your beautiful garden. It’s amazing to see the changes in your plants over time. I love watching my garden grow a little each day, that is my favorite part of gardening. I am making garden videos too on my own channel. It’s so fun to have the growth documented over the season. I still have so much to learn in this area. I hope we can learn more from each other!
I want to see all the birds and bees happy
Don't we all! Happy meadowing! Lee
I love how you've created such a diverse and vibrant garden! 🌺🌈
Thank you! 😊
I'm really looing forward to seeing how the wildflower garden matures!
Thanks Pinecone. More updates to follow as it progresses! Stay safe. Lee
Absolutely brilliant video. I’ve said it before: this guy has a gift for gardens and TV. A better face of TV gardening I can’t imagine! Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration!
Ahhh cheers mate!! What a nice comment to receive! I’ve got yet more guides in the pipeline coming up. I’ll keep banging on the doors to help shake up the gardening world to make it more accessible for all!! Happy Gardening. Lee
young monty don
This fills my heart with happiness, i love meadows and am looking forward to getting my hands dirty in the garden, i must admit it really saddens me to see how many block paving driveways and hedges torn up, yes simple and clean cut but no help to nature... thanks for the info glad to come across your channel 💙🧡💛👍x
Thanks Maria. You’re a woman with the same mindset as me and the fellow Garden Ninja army!!!! Welcome to the group! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿🌹
Thank You so much for your Videos, this is what i will do this Season. Greetings from Berlin/Germany.
Hello in Berlin! Thanks for your lovely comment. Meadows are a fantastic addition even the smallest types in urban areas. Happy gardening! Lee🥷🤘🌿
Cracking videos ... inspirational, down to earth and you even include Barry in your designs/plans...You ought to be on tv! A truly gifted gardener. I’m applying to be your gran! 🤣😂
Thanks so much Suzi. I’m glad you’re enjoying my content. I absolutely love helping new gardeners succeed. So glad it’s coming across that well! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿 (and Barry!) 🐶
Lee, I've never gardened before and I want to turn my lawn into a wildflower meadow. You've absolutely given me the confidence to do it. Thank you.
Thanks David. That’s fantastic to hear. Another gardener in the making! Enjoy the magical learning curve of gardening! Lee 🥷🌿🤘
This video is therapy. I am thinking about starting a wildflower meadow in my back yard in the next year or two and this seems like a helpful channel. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much Piper! Make sure you subscribe for even more garden design guides. Happy gardening! Lee 🥷🌿
You have a great talent. Very skilled man.
Thanks so much! I appreciate your comment. Happy gardening. 🥷🤘🌿
I cant tell you how happy I am to have stumbled across your site. I came back to the UK for a holiday in Jan, and due to circumstances have been helping my elderly mum. The garden has been a salvation for both of us, and we have really worked to make it as pollinator friendly as possible. Our next step is wildflower meadow, which for our 50 plus year mature garden is going to be an exciting step. Thank you for all the inspiring videos and tips you put out.
Hi James. What a fantastic comment to pop up on my feed. Brilliant! I’m so glad that gardening has been a salvation for the two of you. It certainly has been for me most of my life. There’s a whole series on here about wildflower and wildlife gardens so make sure you subscribe to watch more of my guides. There’s over 100 on this channel. Keep up the positivity and happy gardening! Lee
You have the best advise and information tips😊😊🇨🇦
That’s Garden Friendly Guy! Glad it’s helpful. Happy Gardening across the pond! Lee
Nice video......thank you!.....very genuine...
Thanks LAF. Glad you enjoyed it! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿
Love the wild flowers! Thank you so much for your video! Greetings from the Netherlands! 🙂🌱🌿🏵️🌺🥀🌻🌷
Thanks for visiting! Happy Gardening! Lee
@@Gardenninja 🙂👍🌷
Superb ..........Thanks
This was a great video thanks. I'm going to give this a go.
Thanks so much! 🥷🌿🤘
Thanks!
So exciting!! 😬
This is really useful, and informative about meadow planting, what comes across os how passionate you are about plants. It's inspiring - thank you!
Thanks so much Tamsin. I’m glad you’re enjoying my guides. There’s plenty more on my channel. Happy gardening! Lee 🥷🌿
Outstanding video! Much appreciated tutorial; I can't wait to start my perennial meadow garden this Spring. Thank you!
Thanks The French Gardener! Glad you’ve enjoyed it. I can’t wait for this year to see it bloom! Happy meadowing. Lee 🥷🌿
Excellent video, such simple ideas 🧚♂️🌱👌
Thanks Agnes. Keep it simple and let Mother Nature bring the beauty! 😊 Happy Gardening. Lee
Thank you for this lovely video. I have been creating annual meadows for a couple of years, looking to incorporate some perennials in there also. Great information. Thank you again for sharing. Really enjoyed it.
Thanks Sharon. Fellow wild flower sister!! 😜🙌🌿 The Inula helenium and Jacobs ladder work particularly well and can easily be grown by seed 🥷🌿🤘
@@Gardenninja Thanks so much. 😊😊
Fantastic video and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thanks Lesley! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿
Very informative video, it’s a very exciting project and I can’t wait to see it finished. I love your meadow plan. Mum 😍
Maybe a few glasses of something dry and cold when it’s done??!! 😂 x
Excellent video! Thanks very much
Thanks Andrew! Happy gardening. Lee
I normally prefer more formal gardens but I'm looking at making a wildflower box or feature for the wildlife as a contrast so this is useful thanks
You’re welcome. Sounds like an interesting project. Glad it’s helpful! Happy Gardening. Lee
If every one does a little bit ,collectively it will make such a difference.
Well said and it only takes small changes on a big scale! Happy gardening! Lee
Thank you, Lee, I really enjoy watching your videos and this one is one of my favourites. I'm looking forward to seeing how your wildflower meadow progresses this year.
Cheers Debbie. I can’t wait for the spring to come so the meadow can wake up-back to life. Busting to get up and sit in the rest area within the meadow. I’ll post an update as soon as it happens! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿
@@Gardenninja Thanks Lee, that's great! I can't wait for Spring too. :o)
Enjoyed your videos although I am from Melbourne.....love seeing that little one sitting in the wheelbarrow!
Hehe thanks Edita. Hello from the UK. I visited Melbourne Botanics gardens a few years back which was gorgeous. Barry says hi too. Happy Gardening. Lee
I live in the country and my family owns part of a field, but we rent it out to a local farm to plant corn on. By the field tho is a big area where the raspberry bushes have taken over. It gets lots of sun, so I’m turning that into my wildflower meadow! I just finished pulling up raspberry bushes and honeysuckle trees! It’s hard work but I think it’ll be worth it!! I’m thinking of taking some of the flat rocks from a pile beside our field and using them to create a border.
I will try this and plant wild flowers next spring in my meadow.I can section off an acre and create a beautiful wild flower area and the horses can graze the other acres and not disturb the wild flowers.
Thanks Feeltheforce10. There’s even more detail on my blog here for extra tips. It’s a wonderful way to create a wildlife friendly and low fuss garden space! www.gardenninja.co.uk/how-to-create-a-wildflower-meadow-the-easy-way/ Also make sure you subscribe for even more garden design guides. Happy gardening! Lee
Good to know about the toad flax
It’s a great plant to help keep invasive grasses at bay in your meadow! Happy gardening. Lee
Hola , me parece admirable que alguien tan joven tenga tanta pasión por la jardinería y plantas , veo que produces por semillas las plántulas , me cuesta un poco entender ya que no hablamos el mismo idioma . Suerte en tus proyectos.
Thanks Miguel for your comment. Maybe someone could help transcribe my subtitles into your language to assist. Happy gardening! Lee
hi we really liked your video! its always great to see someone helping nature. i have been subscribed to you for years! but have joined up with my girlfriend to make a new channel so its my first time commenting from our new channel! im a profession gardener and have put up a video about going from petrol to electric with the ego cordless range. i think its something that you might like!
Thanks Kelly and Doug. Great to hear you’re looking into more environmentally friendly machines! Happy Gardening. Lee
The best Wildflower gardening vid Ive seen in ages. How do we see how it turned out?
Thanks Deboarh. I’m so glad it’s been helpful. I’ll be publishing a one year on vid this year in its second established season! Happy gardening. Lee
I never knew that about toad flax! Thank you~ could you share the greenhouse you have? I am struggling with finding a 4 seasons with the snow in my area
Yours looks lovely and sturdy
Hi Christi! Great to hear from you. It’s a reinforced greenhouse from a company called the greenhouse people here in the UK. It’s survived all of the recent storms as is great quality!! Happy growing. Lee 🥷🌿🤘
Hi Ninja. Great video thank you. What size meadow have you planted with your 400 seeds please? I am trying to gauge seeds per m2. Thanks.
Hi Vagabond. Many thanks for your compliments on my gardening guide! It depends on whether you’re going to totally wildflower the area or intersperse the flowers like I have done to allow other natural wild flowers emerge. One tip I’d give you is to look at native wild flower seed mixes online and then view their sowing per m2 advice to get the true measure. Also I grew mine from seed as plug plants so you would probably need more if broadcast sowing as the germination rate will be lower. Happy gardening! Lee 🥷🌿🤘
Thank you for your quick response. I intend to do exactly as you have done with 400 seeds into plugs to be planted. So my question is how much area does that cover please? All the best.
Plz could you do themed gardens i.e jungle garden, Mediterranean garden and Japanese inspired garden? I just want to see more of your creative ideas in a garden. Could you make your own water features and show us how u did it? I just need more videos for ideas.
Hi Denise. I don’t get many jungle gardens here in the North West! 😜 When I get a suitable client who is happy for me to film one of these styles I certainly will. Checkout my site though I’ve got Japanese garden design tips on there. Happy Gardening! Lee
Great video as always can you use a lawn sweeper to clear away cuttings after you have completed your last cut
I’ve this question asked to me as the people in question have 1 acre wild flower plot
Hi Woodlands. You could use a sweeper to collect the debris or collect with a mower instead. That is unless your scything. If so use a rake to pile up your cutting and then compost. Hope that helps! Happy meadowing!! Lee 🥷🌿
Brilliant thanks yes looking at options I use a heavy brush cutter which mulches everything and I usually rake or go over with a mower to collect
Don’t panic too much. As long as you remove as much as you can that’s sufficient. Some people panic that any dropped grass will then increase the fertility preventing wild flowers but you’ll be fine. Everything in balance and best endeavours my friend! Lee 🥷🌿
Loved this. I'd never thought of a wildflower meadow with perennials. What a great idea. How far apart are the plants spaced?
Around 60cm in this garden. Given the plants ultimate growth. There’s lots more detail here Keith if you want to find out more! Happy Gardening. Lee www.gardenninja.co.uk/how-to-create-a-wildflower-meadow-the-easy-way/
Would love to plant a wildflower garden. Any tips for a yard built on glacial till? The only thing that thrives is Sow Thistle 😥
Hi Connie. Well most wild flowers prefer really poor soil. So you should be in luck! There are specialist seed companies that create blends for different areas and geographies. But don’t be put off! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿🙌
This video is fantastic, exactly what I've been looking for, thank you so much! I just have a question about timings... is there a particular time of year when I should plant out the wildflowers out into the lawn? And if I'm growing from seed, do I have to sow the seeds to grow seedlings at a particular time of year? Thanks so much
Hi Phillips. You want to show your seeds March to April under glass ideally. When they’re big enough you can then plant them out in June July and keep them well watered. There’s more detail here for you. www.gardenninja.co.uk/how-to-create-a-wildflower-meadow-the-easy-way/ Happy gardening. Lee
Great video. When should I plant the seeds, I don’t have a greenhouse
Hi Joe. You could grow these on a window sill indoors. You need to sow these early spring. Don’t sow them now or they won’t germinate given the low temperatures. These plants are seasonal so follow the seasons cycles. They will come back every year. If you want more guidance in sowing seeds checkout my guide here. ruclips.net/video/DICGT44SMSs/видео.html Happy Gardening! Lee
Fantastic, well done! Will look great once growing 😎 proves anyone can have a wild meadow regardless of size of garden. I need some units like yours for hardening off 😎 might order Toadflax seeds as if yellow rattle is annual then Toadflax may be a good fuss free perennial to sustain attack on grass. Will the rest of these seeds be good for clay soil, North, windy aspect?
Hi Donna. Many thanks for your lovely words. Unfortunately most meadows need a good portion of sun and also free draining soil. I’m guessing with you being north facing there’s a fair amount of shade? What you could do with a heavy soil is use the same meadow planting style but with more shade loving plants. More like a woodland border. Using herbaceous perennials will help get that high value for wildlife though! Oxeye daisies will grow pretty much any where. Achillea and Elecampane need full sun. Have a look here for some unusual shady plant ideas!! Hope that helps. www.gardenninja.co.uk/top-10-shade-loving-plants-for-difficult-borders/
@@Gardenninja Hi Lee, hmmm, it is shady along the fence line but I plan to grow trees and climbers suitable for there. No real areas of shade as the garden is a large open space with a public woodlands/path at the bottom. May be lucky. Will take a look at the link and incorporate some to see what does best. I don't think we are quite true North, NNE perhaps 🤔 thanks for the links, will be a help 😁 have a good day
Thanks for the great video. I was just wondering about the Linaria vulgaris being called a parasitic plant. Is this just a way of saying it competes well with the grasses growing near to it as I can't find any mention of the toadflax being a parasitic species in the way yellow rattle is a hemi-parasite in any of the botany sites I have found about the toadflax?
Happy gardening!
Yes you’re right. Thanks for seeking clarity. I love discussions about is it isn’t it with plants!! It’s a bit of a strange one and you’re right not much is written about it. It’s not ‘truly’ parasitic where it latches onto roots like the hemi-parasite Yellow Rattle. So you’re wise to point that out. It’s been hard for me to truly classify it other than a parasitic plant due to the fact it quickly outcompetes and smothers grass in particular. Given the fact it leaches resources away from surrounding grasses ie stealing the water and nutrients from them. Bit of a rare one really in terms of definition. Maybe there’s a more apt term? Guess parasitic is the broadest way to describe it for me anyone. In America for example it’s listed as an invasive species but it’s really not here. It’s not going to totally destroy your lawn but will happily spread itself. Everything in balance! Hope that helps! Here’s some more Uber detail on it. www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/30828#tosummaryOfInvasiveness Happy Gardening! Lee
@@Gardenninja Thanks for making that clearer. I did see that page you gave a link to when I was trying to find more detail on the Linaria vulgaris. I think since it is a native plant here it is not counted as being invasive in the same way with that being an American site and it probably has a variety of bugs that will keep it some way under control in Europe. Looks nice so I hope it works out well in your garden. That information page highlights how it is not grazed by farm animals so might give it a skip here as my own garden is surrounded by fields grazed by the girlfriend's family farm animals and if I brought in something that interfered with that I might be in trouble. The common daisy and clover are nice in the lawn here already so no plans to add anything else at the moment.
All the best!
Hi Lee I'm new to your channel and to gardening, I've caught the bug and I want to learn everything!, Theres so much to learn!!. Your videos make me feel immediately happy and inspired, (my partners name is Barry so your poochie makes me laugh). I want to make a bee friendly garden and this is a great place to start. I don't know much so please forgive my questions. So these plants you have chosen here will come back each year? Also I really like alliums would they be OK? Last question, would a small weeping cherry tree in a meadow garden look really out of place you think? Thank you so much!
Hi Sandra, Thanks for your kind words! Yes all of those plants are perennial so they come back year after year. If you want a weeping cherry why not! Have as look at my website www.gardenninja.co.uk for hundreds more guides and our forum for questions. Happy gardening! Lee 🥷🌿
I have left an area approximately 3x5 meters in my south facing garden in London uncut for the last 3 weeks. You say to plant some wildflower plants I should cut the grass quite short first. Then cut out a piece of lawn each time I plant one. This I can do. I would like perennials so will choose varieties you suggest. Can this be done in April? Unfortunately I won’t be growing from seed . I will have to purchase young plants from a garden centre. I am an absolute novice so any advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Terry 👍
Hi Terry. If you’re a novice I would maybe look at buying wild flower plug plants or rolled turf from an online specialist. I doubt you’ll be able to pick up the plants I’ve used in a. Garden centre without growing some from seed. The plug plants are a good idea and you literally use a trowel to plop them in. Easy!!! Good luck and let me know how you get on! Happy planting. Lee 🥷🌿
I live in a small house but have a long narrow front lawn that I want to change into a small meadow. The thing is I don't have a greenhouse nor the space to grow lots of the plants beforehand. Is it possible to grow the meadow by planting the seeds directly into the soil? Thanks
Yes of course. However the chances of germinating are lower when sown directly given competition from other seeds abs the fact you can accurately regulate the temp for germination. Definitely give it a go and maybe sow a few in pots on a window sill! Good luck! 🥷🌿
Thank you this is great and I realsie quite a few of the flowering pklants you recommend I know which is alwasy encouraging. Can I ask are there any wildflower seed packs that you would recommend?
Hi Suzan. If you’re looking for an annual wildflower meadow (one that needs to be reseeded every year either manually or by leaving the meadow to scatter its seed) then you can pick different meadow seed mixes for both your soil type and aspect. If you Google wild flower meadow mixes you will see companies selling them. Or you can follow my perennial meadow approach which doesn’t require seeding after you first grow your meadow plants which can be a bit easier for newer gardeners! 🥷🌿🙌 Happy growing! Lee
Hi Lee I cant see to the bottom of yr message so this is the only way I have of saying thank you!
If you click read more it should expand for you! Happy gardening. Lee 🥷🌿
Hi random Q! How do i control /get rid of grasshoppers? I had a few last year and didnt think anything of it, but this year theyve multiplied 😭😭😭😭 for a UK based garden in the Midlands! Thanks!
Hey Hafezi. Why would you want to get rid of them?! That shows you’ve got a really diverse garden! I’d say let them be and enjoy your wildlife friendly garden! Lee
They've taken over and u cant walk/sit anywhere in the garden without them jumping out.... (im petrified of them too!)
What time of year do you sow the seeds in the greenhouse please?
Hi Dexter. A lot of people rush sowing seeds and end up burning through fuel to keep their greenhouses warm. However you don’t really get that far ahead compared to waiting. I’d sow mine under glass mid march. Second week in the UK. Most perennials will take around 3-4 weeks to germinate. Another month or so before pricking out potting on. Aim to have them ready to plant by June to July ready for next years flowers. Happy gardening! 🥷🌿🤘
Brilliant I will hang on for a few more weeks. Thank you @@Gardenninja
What breed is your dog ? Great video by the way
Thanks Claire! He’s a border terrier 🐶🥷🌿
@@Gardenninja thanks Lee, I want one, he's beautiful 😍
Also Lee, just planted a meadow for next year by seeding, I threw the seed down and trod it in but I feel I should be raking it in, should I? Would love to do what you did but mine is bare soil and have no green house.
Did you have a follow up video for this? :)
Hi Adrienn. This playlist has updates one year on along with this years summer gardening tours on my channel. Enjoy!! ruclips.net/p/PL7HK5RsLCR9c_wQkYGdq112aAiTkJMAg8 🥷🌿🤘
I have a 100 ft patch of uncultivated soil that I would like to turn into a wild meadow. It has been weeded, the soil turned and raked. It has no Lawn or other species on it. How do I know if it has is a rich soil or a poor soil, and what is the difference?
Also, if I plant an Annual Wild Flower meadow, now, then will I see the results before the summer?
And, is now a good time to simply scatter the seeds over the soil and allow nature to do its thing ?
Hi Rev. Good to hear from you. Rich soil is usually a good mix of clay and or dark rich organic matter if your soil is very light almost dusty you’ll know it’s a poorer soil. Don’t panic too much though. Seed will germinate when it’s ready. You simply don’t want to feed or add any more nutrients to your soil. One thing I’d say with an annual mix is that each year it will deplete unless you’re really diligent with shaking the seed heads abs trampling the meadow. Simulating cattle etc. Maybe think about wildflower turf with perennial species for an easier meadow. You can also buy mixes of annual and perennial meadow seed so I’d recommend considering that. Happy wilding up! Mother Nature thanks you! Lee 🥷🌿
@@Gardenninja Thank you so much for your reply. I have completely weeded and prepared the ground now, ready for planting. But about 1/3 of my plot falls under shade which makes it unsuitable for Meadow plants, as they have evolved to rely on lots of sunlight. I was wondering if you could recommend some flowers (annual or perennial ) that can thrive in the shade. My soil is quite rich in clay, but I have mixed in a good layer of fresh compost with the topsoil.
The types that my own research has shown up are as follows:
1- Siberian Iris.
2- Purple Loosestrife (May be unsuitable for shade)
3- Lobeilia Cardinalis (Queen Victoria)
4- Primula Vialli (Orchid primrose) or other Primula sub-species.
5- Cyclamen Coum (Flowers in winter, but I'm open to that)
Are just a few that have caught my eye and visual taste.
What are your thoughts or alternative suggestions ?
BW Rez
What is a daisy?
Where can I buy these plants? (Cheshire)
Hi TheRobblue. I’ve grown all of mine by seed but maybe checkout Bluebell Cottage gardens. Best herbaceous independant nursery around the north west! Happy planting. Lee 🥷🤘🌿
Can you just scatter seed on a lawn that has been lightly forked?
Hi Thomas. You can, but the uptake is going to be very slow and patchy. Especially with annual wildflower mixes. Those flowers that grow, flower and die in one season. Perennial wildflower mixes should be sown the autumn before you want them to establish. The turf will always out compete the wildflowers. However what you can do is leave part of your turf wild and you’d be amazed what perennial wildflowers may emerge that are lying dormant. Another alternative is to grow trays of wildflower seeds in a greenhouse then slice and remove portions of turf and then lay them in once they have established. Hope that helps. Happy wilding up your garden! Lee 🥷🌿🤘
@@Gardenninja Thanks for prompt reply and great advice yer garden is awesome!
I’m new to your channel
I moved in this an yard on 1 1/2 in dirt on top of gravel.
Pray for me
Hey Hummer. You don’t need prayers when you’ve got compost and plants that love free draining plants for gravel gardens!! Happy gardening. Lee
Can I got these plant,s seed
Hi Moon Lake. There are loads of online sellers of these seeds so you can grow them yourself. Happy growing! 🥷🌿🤘
Patterdale?
Border terrier! 🐶🥷🌿
😁😁😁👍🏻
Why plant individual plants rather that remove the grass and put wildflower seed down?
Hi Useyourbrain, that’s one way to create an annual wild flower meadow that needs to reseed each year. However with half an acre I wanted to create a perennial wildflower meadow to reduce the maintenance. Also with perennial plants they take a lot longer to germinate so I chose to grow them as plugs first. If you watch the series from the start I go into detail about why I’ve chosen perennials. Happy gardening! 🥷🌿🤘
I just need to mow all this pavement around my house here in South Philly.
its ok to build a wild flower meadow, but maintaining the meadow, not allowing it to be grown over. I've seen loads set up and most ruined from lack of maintenance. Shame really cos they are nice
Yes maintenance is key, especially removing clippings and mowing just 3 times a year. Happy gardening! Lee
I am letting some of my garden go wild,if you let the 'weeds' grow they are the ones adapted to your environment.
You’d be surprised what ‘weeds’ appear. Often with amazing flowers too!! 🤘🌿
You will have problems planting into grass no matter how well cut back
You’d think so but the meadows been a raring success with these herbaceous perennials. Had a pretty much 80% success rate in year two so not bad! 🥷🤘🌿 Happy Gardening! Lee
In London, foxes dig them up :(
How strange? Wonder why they dig up wild flowers? What secrets lay hidden beneath? Maybe an old packet of pork scratchings. Hope the foxes move on! Happy gardening! Lee 🥷🌿