Landscapers call it 'differential mowing' which just means mowing at different heights and frequency. It is a great low maintenance way of dealing with large areas of grass. In recent years public parks have begun using it as a way to cut labour costs, and create interest and diversity at the same time. You can do the same: simply let some of the grass grow........(See previous posting). Mow that path around the perimeter, and if it is bigger than our mini meadow, mow a winding path through it too - call it the wild garden, and just enjoy.
Another tip: if the ground is undulating, allow the mower to follow the countours of the ground when you are making the shape - this is hard to describe in words. It means not being rigid about where you want the outline of your shape to be, but going with the lie of the land, allowing the mower to lead you ...the end result will look very natural, which is how you want a wild garden to look, rather than imposed and contrived. Believe me this works, and when you get the hang of it, it's a lovely, very creative thing to do, and you can alter the shape between one cut and the next if you don't get it quite right the first time. Fun with a lawnmower - who'd have thought it!
Another tip: if the ground is undulating, allow the mower to follow the countours of the ground when you are making the shape - this is hard to describe in words. It means not being rigid about where you want the outline of your shape to be, but going with the lie of the land, allowing the mower to lead you ...the end result will look very natural, which is how you want a wild garden to look, rather than imposed and contrived. Believe me this works, and when you get the hang of it, it's a lovely, very creative thing to do, and you can alter the shape between one cut and the next if you don't get it quite right the first time. Fun with a lawnmower - who'd have thought it!
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