CAN’T BE TAMED
Forget artificial grass and neat picket fences – head over to the wild side in your own back garden!
Neatly manicured lawns and flowers planted just so, our gardens are something we often take pride in. And as we head into spring, we might be thinking about sprucing them up ready for the warmer months.
After all, over the harsh winter, they can be left looking a bit sorry for themselves.
But what if you decided to embrace that untamed look this year?
Ditch the lawnmower and sow those seeds freely – it’s time to go over to the wild side.
Because not only is it great for the wildlife – it can look beautiful, too.
‘Stop mowing some areas and allow the wildflowers to come up in your lawn instead,’ advises Nicola Bradley, head gardener at The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. ‘This might feel like a step too far for you, if you love a neat garden.
‘But it’s lovely to watch what happens when you allow it to grow naturally – such an interesting variety of native plants that change as you observe them from spring through into summer.
‘Let these flowers mature and set seed before cutting again in late summer.’
If the thought of leaving your grass, plants and flowers to their own devices fills you with dread, don’t worry – you can start small.
A wild garden doesn’t mean it requires no work – but it is certainly very low maintenance compared to a manicured yard.
And you might just find the beauty in untamed nature.
‘The key is embracing the concept of structured chaos,’ explains Jason Wilkinson, founder of Qwikhose. ‘A welldesigned wild garden can be visually striking, with a mix of native wildflowers, grasses and shrubs creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.
‘It also aligns with sustainable gardening practices by requiring minimal intervention – native plants are well-adapted to local conditions, reducing the need for excessive watering, fertilisers and pesticides.
‘This prevents the negative environmental impacts
‘Thekeyis embracing theconcept ofstructured chaos’
associated with traditional gardening methods.
‘Wild gardens provide a space for native plants to flourish. This in turn supports local insects and animals that have adapted to these specific plant species over time.
‘So by cultivating a haven for indigenous flora and fauna, we actively contribute to the conservation of local biodiversity.
So not only does it look fabulous – but it’s good for wildlife and the environment, too.
Win win, right?!
But although it might be a low-maintenance option, it will require some thought in the early stages.
‘Achieving balance involves thoughtful planning,’ adds Jason. ‘Choose a variety of plants that bloom at different times, ensuring year-round interest. Arrange plants in clusters or drifts for a more intentional look and incorporate natural elements like logs or rocks – this way the garden maintains its wild charm while exuding a curated appearance. ‘Incorporating wildlife-friendly features like bird feeders, insect hotels or a small water feature will add an extra layer of charm, too.’ And Nicola agrees as well. ‘After watching it grow this year, you might decide to try a bigger patch next year or even decide to start a mini wildflower meadow,’ she says. ‘By leaving areas to grow naturally alongside mown paths or larger neat areas, you can still create control and structure in your garden, but you’ll be making it much more wildlife-friendly.’
Not only will your own garden look blooming lovely and full of pollinating critters –
Wild garden help wildlife and the loca environmen to thrive
but it might also help foster some neighbourly relations, too.
If you don’t have much outdoor space of your own, why not get together to rewild some communal areas in your town?
‘Wild gardens can be a shared space within the community,’ adds Jason. ‘Encourage neighbours to exchange seeds or cuttings, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the local environment around you.
‘Community involvement not only enhances the garden, but it also creates a sense of pride and connection among the residents.
‘By embracing the wilding of gardens, we not only benefit wildlife and the environment, but also create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and harmonious with nature.’
So what are you waiting for then?
Put down the trowel and the rake, step away from the mower and give it a go!