Creating a haymeadow at Scatwell
by Graeme Guy
In response to dire threats from a reduction in plant pollination due to falling bee numbers and a desire to diversify the ‘dull’ square of grass behind my bungalow I decided, awhile ago now, to turn green into rainbow by creating a hay or wildflower meadow. Apart from the aforementioned reasons it would also be low cost and require no machinery.
The first step was to eliminate grasses which would otherwise smother the wildflowers so groundsheets were purchased, as a roll, cut to size and pinned down.
Secondly the long wait, as some residents will have noted, of a full season to turn green into brown. A turf-cutter would do the same job and remove the fertile upper horizon but would add unnecessary cost and pollution.
Thirdly, a few weeks ago, ideally late autumn, the covers were removed and the soil raked to provide a suitable surface for seed germination. Seed was purchased at a small cost on-line and a wildflower mix for pollinators suitable for neutral soils was selected along with a quantity of yellow-rattle which reduces grass vigour by being semi-parasitic on their roots. The seed was broadcast by hand and watered.
It is hoped this summer will see some colour but at least two season are required for proper development. Each autumn, post seed dispersal the meadow is mown/strimmed and material removed after a week, to allow remaining seeds to fall, which removes nutrient return to the soil and develops a low fertility status preferred by wildflowers.
The groundsheets will be reused to extend the haymeadow and the process repeated until the grassland has been transformed
