The purple orchids are showing in the mini meadow now. You have to look hard to see them in my photograph (difficult to photograph meadows!)The first summer in this garden a few wild orchids appeared in the grass, so we decided not to cut that area and left an oval patch about 5 x 2 mtrs to just grow. Up came not only orchids, but hawkweed, bird's foot trefoil, white clover, pig nut and various other pretty wild flowers. Mowing a clear path round this bit, made it look intentional rather than just a neglected bit ,and it contrasts beautifully with the area around. Insects love it, and so do we. Just sitting close to it and watching the breeze in it, and the butterflies and moths, and enjoying its simple beauty is so relaxing - it takes no effort for one thing, though I couldn't resist planting a few wild poppies for effect...
We strim it down about late July, or whenever it gets a bit too messy looking, and thereafter cut it just the same as the rest of the lawn until next spring when we let it grow again and count how many orchids flower (20 this year). Try it if you can - wildlife friendly and low maintenance - every garden should have one.
We strim it down about late July, or whenever it gets a bit too messy looking, and thereafter cut it just the same as the rest of the lawn until next spring when we let it grow again and count how many orchids flower (20 this year). Try it if you can - wildlife friendly and low maintenance - every garden should have one.
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