Picture shows our wonderful dwarf 'Tapestry' mixture -
Whilst many will have been busy sowing seeds over the last few months (March to June is the most popular time for sowing), we find the best time to sow many mixtures, the ones containing both perennial and hardy annual species, is September or October.
Flowerbed favourites for September sowing
For best results with ornamental* flower meadows it is advisable to clear the ground thoroughly, removing all unwanted vegetation, paying particular attention to persistent weeds and grasses. The soil should be turned and raked to provide an even bed into which the seeds are scattered.
Best results are achieved by marking out the area, and sowing seeds by hand onto the surface (as you would sow a lawn) – raking will often bury small seeds, so we suggest lightly treading in, or tamping down (a lawn roller is useful for large areas)
Tip: we recommend raking the soil on the day of sowing (where the plot has been prepared in advance). This will ensure that weed germination is disrupted, and will give you the best results.
Autumn is a great time for sowing; the soil is warm, and average rainfall should reduce the need for watering (note: check the seed mix specification to make sure it is recommended for autumn sowing)
Choosing the right flower meadow couldn’t be easier. Mixtures are available for every kind of garden; in difficult soils, shaded areas, under trees… even in troughs and window boxes!
*Ornamental flower meadow mixtures (see all our Flowerbed Meadows) are designed for sowing into soil, and not for establishing wildflowers in lawns and grassy areas. They contain native and near native species to give a long flowering season (3-4 months) whilst giving a real boost to biodiversity!