Farmers in the north of England are worried because their grass is not growing – due to low temperatures during the Spring. We don’t have that problem here.

Long grass with Pink Campion

We’re trying to get a balance between having wild flowers (not cutting the grass too often to allow the flowers to grow), and having a usable garden. The Pink Campion all over the garden has been great, but the grass was getting too long, so it was time for them to go.

The mighty Hayter Condor

We have to mower for long grass…

Compost bin overflowing with grass

… but the grass handling systems really need some improvement. Raking and moving this much grass is really a big job.

Viper’s Bugloss and Oxeye Daisy spared from the cut

After the cut there’s just Oxeye daisy and Viper’s Bugloss left uncut – but more wild flowers will spring up fast. We planted climbing roses on the front of the shed during the winter, and we’ve just put up the trellis for them.

Viper’s Bugloss (blå eld på svenska?)

The Viper’s Bugloss came in the wild flower meadow seed mix we used – it grows a tall blue flower spike.

Oxeye daisy

We also introduced the Oxeye daisies – they seem to like the conditions because they’re everywhere now, and make a great show in a few weeks time. The Oxeye daisy flowers and buds are actually edible – tempura battered daisy anyone?