Q How can I turn a patch of gravel into a wildflower meadow?
Janey Smith, by email A
MATTHEW SAYS Wildflower meadows always perform best in full sun, so before you start any preparations, I hope you have a nice open, bright position, ideally south or west facing. If not, then work with your conditions and perhaps plan a fernery or a haven for woodland plants instead.
Fortunately, most wildflowers enjoy poor, well-drained soil, so I think you could just remove any membrane beneath the gravel, then dig or rotavate to mix the gravel into the soil. Rake the area level and leave it to settle, then sow your desired meadow mix onto it in March (after another light rake immediately before sowing).