Planting a Traditional Meadow with Perennial and Annual Flowers

The traditional meadow is not in itself a natural phenomenon, rather the product of time honoured historical agricultural techniques. However, recent years have seen the disappearance of meadows from the landscapes of Europe, as intensive farming techniques have replaced those of our forefathers. As such it is the gardener that may have the best opportunity to maintain this unique and beautiful landscape, which is a haven for native flowers and wildlife.

Where and How to Plant a Traditional Meadow and Subsequent Maintenance

The traditional meadow can be planned in a garden of almost any size, from setting aside a small area at the back of a garden, to the planning of a dedicated site of field like proportions. A meadow can be planted on almost any soil kind with the exception of boggy areas and sites suffering from deep shade; poor soils are often an advantage.

Planting a meadow is relatively easy: preparation of the site should begin with the clearing of the selected area back to the bare soil. The soil should then be raked so as to allow the seeds to gain contact with the soil, without having to cover up later on. Once cleared and raked a seed mix should then be prepared. In preparing a seed mix, one can purchase a commercially available mix from a garden centre. Alternately a seed mix may be custom made using a variety of annual and perennial plants detailed in the next section. The seed mix should then be scattered over the raked soil. Germination will occur in a relatively short period of time.

Maintaining a meadow is relatively easy once established. A meadow having established itself within just a few short weeks will not require any further watering or feeding. Maintenance is confined to just two periods of attention each year. The meadow should be cut back each year during the autumn; much of the plantation will have died back by this time. Leaving the vegetation can result in somewhat of an eye sore, especially if space is limited. Many of the plants of the meadow are annuals, as such the meadow will need to have annual grasses and flowers re-sown each spring. This may not be necessary, if a large enough area is dedicated as self seeding will occur naturally.

The Annual and Perennial Plants of the Traditional Meadow

There is no definitive list as to what plants should or should not be included in a meadow; however, here are a few of the most common specimens which are widely available at a reasonable price.

Papaver Rhoeas – This is the common field poppy, a delicate red annual flower. The field poppy grows at a rapid rate and is a prolific self seeder once established. The field poppy adds a touch of brightness to the meadow and is a favourite of the bumble bee.

Centaurea Cyanus – This is the corn flower and is another annual flower of the meadow. Here the flower ranges from bright blue, to a delicate purple or mauve in colour. The corn flower again will self seed if given the chance.

Leucanthemum Vulgare – Daisy like plants are a staple of the meadow; this variety the Ox-Eye Daisy brings the classic bright yellow and white colours to the plantation. This plant is a perennial and as such will not need to be replanted or seeded each year.

Avena Sativa – No meadow is complete without its grassy elements. This specimen is the wild oat, an annual grass producing the food stuff of the same name.

Primula Veris – The Cowslip is another perennial at home in the meadow. This plant produces small yellow flowers and also has culinary uses. The plants leaves are used by the Spanish in salad, whilst the flowers are used by the English as a flavouring.

Sources:

Ardel, J. 2007. RHS Bamboos and Grasses.