Wildflower Whimsy - How To Transform A Patch Of Ground Into Blooms

There was a quote once said by Aldo Leopold, “Our ability to perceive quality in nature begins, as in art, with the pretty.� Basically this is the starting phrase of using wildflowers, they are just that, pretty.

People tend to get aggravated with the growth of wildflowers. The American Seed Trade Association found that people are expecting too much of the simple wildflower. These particular plants are only seasonal. They bloom very well when it is time, but after the season is over they may look out of sorts. It is ordinary that these flowers will look great one part of the year versus the others.

If you take the time to understand the wildflower and how it grows year after year, you will be pleasantly surprised and will want to grow more.

Different climates support the beautiful wildflower meadows all over the world. One of the best places to find these meadows in North America is high in the mountains. The climate does not allow for tress or shrubs to grow, so therefore the wildflower can take rein. It is best to try to institute this type of climate in your own yard for the beautiful view.

Normally on the lower grounds, the wildflower meadows will just look like grassland. You can typically find them just before entering a forest or woodland. Since they like being the first to grow in those spots, wildflowers soak up as much sunshine as they can.

Because trees and shrubs like those spots as well, if the meadow is not cared for, trees begin to grow. This stage of the meadow is what scientists call, “old field succession.� Plants can vary from type depending on the climate and part of the world.

If you prefer nice and neat flowers, then it is best not to choose the wildflower meadows. Wildflowers are just - wild. They grow where and how they prefer.

The first year is the real test of when your wildflowers will bloom. If you planted annuals, you might receive some beautiful flowers that same time of year. Annuals tend to have an easy blooming during the season. But if you plant biennials or perennials the bloom will be the following year.

In mild climates, if you allow the annuals to produce their seed heads, you may see a second bloom the following year, this also happens with biennials and perennials. Because they are a likely part of the wildflower meadows, weeds will always be present. It is just a part of nature. You can still get rid of these weeds if you act quickly. Before planting your meadow, be sure to get rid of any existing weeds first. This will make weeding in the future easier as there will be less to remove. You can always add seeds to the bare spots of where the weeds used to be.

It can take up to three years for the meadow to be recognized with a mature look. If you want the best color to show every year, you should reseed every year with new annuals. Always be sure the water your meadow so it develops a good root system, keep the unwanted weeds away, and mow after the seed heads have produced their necessary seeds. These simple steps will help keep your meadow looking just as beautiful as you want.

This is a maintenance schedule suggested by The American Seed Trade Association:

Before planting, be sure to have a proper watering system installed. The soil should be clean and fresh of any existing plants. Till the soil three inches deep so the roots have a starting ground.

Pay attention to how much water the ground has received. If less than three inches per month, irrigate as needed. While the seeds are growing, they need moisture daily.

To keep your meadow looking tidy, be sure to mow in the fall after the bloom is finished. You can keep the clippings from the flowers as mulch or just get rid of them. If you don't want your meadow to be so out of control, clip the seed heads before they mature.

Keep track of how your flowers have grown throughout the first season. You can easily pick out the spots where flowers did not grow properly. You can either add more of the same seed or try various mixes until you get the look you want. If the look overall had more weeds then flowers, start fresh with new seeds.