CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR WILDFLOWER PLUG PLANTS
When your plants arrive
Keep in a cool, shady place to await planting
Do not let plants dry out (but do not soak)
Planting
Water well
They can be planted into cultivated soil and a non invasive grass seed such as fescue sown alongside or into an established grass sward
If planting into an established sward grass should be mown down to 5cm and the clippings removed before planting.
Avoid grid planting, as it looks unnatural; try to plant in clumps, more densely at the centre.
If planting in April be prepared to irrigate in dry spells while the plants establish themselves.
If planting into grass swards reduce competition by clearing areas approx. 30cm (12”) in diameter. Normally 3-5 plugs are planted in each area.
First years maintenance
In wildflower meadows situations the subsequent management is crucial for success.
When planting into an established sward it is crucial that the grass does not overshadow the wildflowers while they establish. Cut very short prior to planting and keep grass short during the first spring and early summer. Always remove cuttings. The first cut is important and is preferable early rather than late. (i.e. early March)
Whenever sward reaches 10/15cm cut back to 5cm. This program can be continued until late May. Cutting can then be stopped until Mid July when another cut can be taken. The final cut is taken in autumn. Do not expect flowers in the first year.
Subsequent management
Cut in late July/August with an aftermath cut in autumn (late Sept, early Oct) remove the cuttings, this replicates the traditional practice of Hay cutting and winter grazing.
If the soil is particularly fertile this will result in very strong grass growth. One or possibly two additional cuts in the spring and early summer can be introduced.(April/May) resulting in a shorter sward and later flowering. Take hay cut in August and remove cuttings with an aftermath cut in autumn.
Spring flowering Meadows should have their first cut in late June. A second cut can be made in Late July/August followed by a cut in the autumn. This encourages spring flowering species such as Birdsfoot trefoil, daisies and selfheal.
Encourage late summer flowering meadows by a cutting only in the autumn and adding one or two spring cuts if especially fertile.
When your plants arrive
Keep in a cool, shady place to await planting
Do not let plants dry out (but do not soak)
Planting
Water well
They can be planted into cultivated soil and a non invasive grass seed such as fescue sown alongside or into an established grass sward
If planting into an established sward grass should be mown down to 5cm and the clippings removed before planting.
Avoid grid planting, as it looks unnatural; try to plant in clumps, more densely at the centre.
If planting in April be prepared to irrigate in dry spells while the plants establish themselves.
If planting into grass swards reduce competition by clearing areas approx. 30cm (12”) in diameter. Normally 3-5 plugs are planted in each area.
First years maintenance
In wildflower meadows situations the subsequent management is crucial for success.
When planting into an established sward it is crucial that the grass does not overshadow the wildflowers while they establish. Cut very short prior to planting and keep grass short during the first spring and early summer. Always remove cuttings. The first cut is important and is preferable early rather than late. (i.e. early March)
Whenever sward reaches 10/15cm cut back to 5cm. This program can be continued until late May. Cutting can then be stopped until Mid July when another cut can be taken. The final cut is taken in autumn. Do not expect flowers in the first year.
Subsequent management
Cut in late July/August with an aftermath cut in autumn (late Sept, early Oct) remove the cuttings, this replicates the traditional practice of Hay cutting and winter grazing.
If the soil is particularly fertile this will result in very strong grass growth. One or possibly two additional cuts in the spring and early summer can be introduced.(April/May) resulting in a shorter sward and later flowering. Take hay cut in August and remove cuttings with an aftermath cut in autumn.
Spring flowering Meadows should have their first cut in late June. A second cut can be made in Late July/August followed by a cut in the autumn. This encourages spring flowering species such as Birdsfoot trefoil, daisies and selfheal.
Encourage late summer flowering meadows by a cutting only in the autumn and adding one or two spring cuts if especially fertile.