====== Wild Flower Plan July 2010 ======

I suggest we mark out the area for wild flowers and cut the grass short . This allows the smaller, less vigorous grasses to germinate, and helps to reduce the shade etc from taller coarse grass. Probably the easiest way to start is to plant selected wild flower seeds in weed free beds, or in individual cells. Autumn and spring are the best time to plant. 

Many seeds need to fully imersed in water, and be subjected to a period of cold weather to trigger germination in the spring. The seed will generally be scattered on the surface of the soil, not covered. They will need to be protected from birds and other creatures that may dig them up, or eat them. Not all seeds germinate at the same time, to avoid adverse weather conditions, so if it looks as if nothing has happened, don’t lose heart. Keep seeds moist, but not wet, as this can cause rot.

In the spring, when the plants are large enough to transplant, we have to make holes in the grass ready to plant the widflowers. At this time mowing of the grass should stop. Initially Yellow rattle is a good plant to grow, as it is partially parasitic, and helps to check the growth of grass. Other flowers can also be planted, and may need to be watered initially. Depending on the seed mix, most flowers should bloom in June/July, and when they look as if they are dying back, should produce seed. In order to get seeds for next year, the grass cannot be cut until late summer. This hay can be left to lie on the site, so seeds can drop through to the soil. After a week of two, this hay must be removed, to prevent too many nutrients  entering the soil. It can be composted, or used for animal feed.

The mowing regime will involve keeping the grass short during the late autumn, and winter, then stopping mowing in the spring to allow flowers to grow successfully. Hay making in late summer  will be followed by another period of cutting. Grass should be removed from the wildflower area, and not let to lie.
Strong weeds  that compete for light, nutrients and water may have to be removed by hand, or the use of a selective weedkiller.

Suggested Species.
|Achillia millefolium|Yarrow|
|Centaurea nigra |                                   Common Knapweed|
|Gallium verum                            |          Lady’s Bedstraw|
|Geranium pratense         |                     Meadow Cranesbill|
|Knautia arvensis           |                       Field Scabious|
|Leontodon hispidus          |                   Rough Hawkbit|
|Leucanthemum vulgare         |             Oxeye Daisy|
|Lotus corniculatus            |                  Birdsfoot trefoil|
|Malva moschata                 |               Musk Mallow|
|Plantago lanceolata             |              Ribwort Plantain|
|Plantago media                   |              Hoary Plantain|
|Primula veris                     |                       Cowslip|
|Prunella vulgaris                  |                   Selfheal|
|Ranunculus acris                    |                 Meadow buttercup|
|Rhinanthus minor                     |             Yellow Rattle|
|Rumex acetosa                         |              Sorrel|
|Sliene vulgaris                        |                 Bladder Campion|