1. Mixture - Mixed with other garden flowers in the herbaceous border, the species of wild flower to use would be mainly biennial or perennial. These will be compatible with the more familiar garden subjects, particularly cottage garden type flowers and herbs.
2. Herbaceous border - Comprising perennial or biennial wild flowers only. Adopt a similar strategy as for planting normal herbaceous perennials, giving consideration to final heights before selecting planting positio n s.
3. Cornfield annual species - Planted on vacant soils where quick reliable displays of colour are required, cereal plants can also be included to reproduce an authentic ancient corn field. These annuals will produce an outstanding array of colour with a minimum of effort and expense and are extremely popular. They are also very easy for children to grow |
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4. Naturalisation of bulbs and plants of meadow species - A spring meadow is appropriate where bulbs are already present and the meadow plants provide colour whilst the foliage of the bulbs withers down. Additional wild bulbs such as bluebell, lesser celandine, wild daffodil and snakeshead fritillary can also be introduced. A fine early display can be obtained under deciduous trees before the soil becomes too dry and shaded. A grassy bank provides a marvelous opportunity for creating a meadow and will be most successful where soil is poor and well drained.
5. Shade - Shaded areas of the garden often present a problem for gardeners. There are a large number of woodland plants which thrive in shady areas and they are amongst some of the most beautiful of our wild flowers.
6. Hedges - Plants alongside and amongst hedgerows are particularly useful to attract wildlife, especially if the hedge is one of native species. Plants for sun, shade or semi-shade should be selected depending on the aspect of the hedgerow: i.e. if the hedge lies east - west, the northerly side will be suitable for shade lovers whilst the southern side will require sun lovers. New hedgerows should be allowed to establish free of competition for two to three years before associated plants are introduced.
7 . Marshes - Damp soil borders and marshy areas are much easier to create than ponds and are safer for young children. They are the ideal habitat for many very striking wild flower species.
8. Ponds - Ponds add a certain quality to any garden. Many of our most spectacular wild flowers are found in pond and marsh and will act as a `magnet' to surrounding wildlife.
9. Wild flowers for chalk - Some of our prettiest and most delicate wild flowers grow only on chalk. This habitat can be reproduced inexpensively and relatively easily by creating a chalk bank and planting with suitable species
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10. Rockeries and dry stone walls - This very dry environment can be exploited by planting wild flowers adapted to the conditions; adding interesting foliage and colour.
11. Informal lawns - An informal lawn is probably the intermediate step between a formal lawn and a meadow and is often created adjacent to a formal lawn and sown at the same time. It contains species tolerant of close cutting and if mowing is relaxed in summer, an enchanting display of flowers can be enjoyed for many weeks. When mowing is recommenced no harm will come to the plants, and the practice can be repeated annually.
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12. Wild flower meadows - We offer seed for six types of wild flower meadow. There are many grassy areas within or near the garden which are an expensive chore to maintain. These areas are often under utilised and transformed into meadow areas would enhance the surroundings, provide valuable wildlife habitats and reduce the cost and management.
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13. Medicinal and culinary herbs - Prior to modern medicine, plants were widely used to cure our ills and there is now a renewed interest in their therapeutic and curative properties.
14. Butterfly and bee border - at Langar we have a herbaceous border comprising selected species of herbs, wild flowers and cottage garden plants. Many visitors are so impressed that they wish to reproduce it in their own gardens
15. Woodland - A woodland urea using native trees and shrubs acts as an ideal background to plant woodland wild flowers and under-plant bulbs. This produces a continual source of interest throughout the year and attracts insects, birds and mammals. |
16. Wildlife hedgerows - Providing corridors for wildlife and a source of interest throughout the year, wildlife hedgerows have attractive foliage in spring, flowers in summer; berries, hips and leaf colour in autumn and winter.
17. Climbers - There are a variety of wild climbing plants that the gardener can grow. Plant to climb through existing trees, shrubs and hedgerows or over pergolas etc.
18. Wild roses - More suited to the cottage garden than modern hybrid roses, some species make superb hedges and many provide autumn and winter colour with their attractive hips.
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19. Fragrant lawns - Chamomile, thyme and clover lawns are ideal around seats for providing fragrance and colour in specific areas.
20. Patio tubs - Combinations of wild flowers are good subjects for patio tubs, pots and hanging baskets. Many wild flowers are drought tolerant and/or of spreading habit, making them ideal.
