Today (18th November), I finally completed the cutting of the wildflower meadow and the removal of the cuttings. The cuttings that wouldn’t burn because they were either too wet, or still green, were removed to the grazing fields where they were spread out to rot, or used to fill in boggy patches around a field gate. A small amount of cuttings were also placed in the corner of the meadows where the land is uneven in the hope that this will rot down and level off the area.
This view of the wildflower meadow shows the bare patches remaining after grass cuttings were burned.
Work in the meadow was completed just in time before a band of light rain, associated with a cold front, passed over Bracken House. This cold front signalled the arrival of some cold air from the Arctic and northerly winds resulting in below average day-time temperatures, and overnight temperatures close to freezing.
The next task to complete is the mulching of the remaining trees in the meadow, a task that was started in the summer but was not completed due to the height of the grasses. Once complete, each tree will have a circular patch around the base cleared of weeds and grass and mulched with well-rotted wood chippings.
Related articles
- Much work needed on wildflower meadow (alanrowley.info)
- Gardeners in the grip of Meadowmania (telegraph.co.uk)
- A meadow re-emerges (wenatcheeworld.com)
- Pick Your Weeds – Don’t Pull Them Just Yet (gardenwalkgardentalk.com)
