Try these wild perennials

Yellow rattle ( Rhinanthus minor)

This pretty plant is a most important part of a wildflower meadow and should be sown now. It’s a semi-parasite on grass, deriving some nutrients from the grass roots. Because it weakens grass it increases biodiversity and allows a wide range of flowers to establish. Unlike other flowers, it should be sown as seed on the grass, after raking it to expose the soil and roots. The blooms are produced for months over summer. Height: 15cm (6in).

Meadow cranesbill ( Geranium pratense)

The sky-blue flowers appear from early to mid-summer and create large patches of colour. It can be sown now in bare patches of grass but it’s better to raise small plants and pop them in the lawn. Height: 45cm (18in).

Cowslips and primroses

These two wildflowers are an essential component of any wildflower meadow. Nodding cowslips ( Primula

veris) prefer a sunny site, while hummock-forming primroses ( Primula vulgaris) prefer a moist, shady one. You can buy both in garden centres or sow seeds. The seeds need cool conditions and surface sowing to germinate. Height: 20cm (8in).

Selfheal ( Prunella vulgaris)

Many lawns already have this pretty, creeping plant but, when the grass is cut less often, it’ll grow taller and the purple flowers will attract bumblebees. Height: