Future proof

If only we could know what the future weather patterns might be. What we can say with certainty is that our climate is changing, and a future-proof garden should not keep all its eggs in one basket. Diversity is key to a healthy ecosystem, so meadow plantings with their extensive range of species and cultivars make sense; not everything will survive, but much will thrive. Varied plantings also support diverse wildlife, and no garden will survive in the future without a wide supporting cast of insects and birds.

Perhaps the most exciting element of the modern meadow is seeing it grow and evolve from such tiny beginnings. Sowing by seed means that plants adjust to specific local conditions, with future generations of seed developing landrace adaptations. It’s also efficient: seed is cheap to transport, uses little packaging and requires minimal watering and feeding to get established (although seedlings may need more moisture in the early stages).