Wild meadow

If you are planning a wildflower patch, or even a whole lawn next year, it’s time to sow your yellow rattle seeds. This is a semi-parasitic plant that weakens the roots of existing grass, making it easier for wildflowers to get established.

Yellow rattle needs winter cold to germinate so sow it now and, next spring, don’t feed your lawn as wildflowers do best in poor, unfertilised soil.

Many wildflower and grass seed mixes are available, but for the best results look online and choose one that suits your soil.

Companies include The Grass People ( thegrasspeople.com, new website under construction), as well as British Wildflower Seeds ( britishwildflowermeadowseeds. co.uk, ✆ 01749 812355), and Wildflower Meadow ( wildflower. co.uk, ✆ 01205 281902).

Choose a seed mix that’s right for you Yellow rattle helps weaken grass roots so wildflowers can become established