Q How should I prepare to replace my mossy lawn with meadow turf?
Jan, by email
AJAMES SAYS The fact that your lawn is covered in moss suggests that fertility is already low, so that’s great because wildflowers do best on poor soil. However, moss also loves shade and high moisture levels, which is the opposite of what wildflowers need. Still, you can improve the drainage by spreading a 5cm thick layer of horticultural sand over the soil after removing the old turf.
Shady conditions are much harder to change. Instead, why not work with your existing conditions and create a beautiful moss lawn instead, like those in Japanese gardens? To encourage moss, mow on the shortest setting to deter the grass, and stop fertilising and aeration.