Wildflower Gardening: A Perfect Option
The beauty and simplicity of wildflowers gardens has been growing in popularity over the last few years. Wildflowers offer a less formal appearance than manicured gardens, which flow well with cottages and country-style houses.
One of the great things about planting wildflowers is the variety. A pre-purchased mix of seeds will give you an idea of what your garden may look like, but the final result will depend widely on which plants are more aggressive and the time of year. Wildflowers bloom at different times during the growing season, so you will have an ever changing display of colors in your garden.
To get started with growing wildflowers, you must first decide where you would like your garden to be located. If you are covering a large area, consider planting wild grasses as well. They will give you the height and texture you need to keep an eye pleasing garden. Choose a self-seeding mix from a reputable garden center for your best chance at success. The salespeople at these centers will be able to help you determine the best mix for your location and soil type. The best time to plant a wildflower garden is in the fall because the snow and cold of winter will help with seed germination.
To maintain your garden, be sure to pull weeds as soon as they sprout and water often if you are having a dry summer. Once the season is over and your wildflowers begin to brown, mow your garden down to allow the seeds to spread and re-germinate. Be sure to leave 4 to 6 inches of stalk on the plant and allow the clippings to remain covering the ground.
Wildflower gardens, like other plants, will reflect the amount of time you invest in them. But with a little planning and effort, you can enjoy these patches of natural looking beauty for years to come.