Shady Garden 80/20 Mix

If your garden suffers from shade this is the mix for you. Perhaps you’re trying to grow flowers along a fence line, or next to a hedgerow, or maybe in the shadow of a neighbour’s tree or even your own house? We’ve put together this mix of wildflowers which thrive in environments where direct access to sunlight is a little more intermittent...

How to Plant

Cheap and Easy Method:

For a straightforward and economical approach, you can simply scatter the seeds directly onto bare soil. This method requires minimal preparation but has a lower success rate, as it relies heavily on natural conditions. Start by clearing the planting area of any debris and lightly raking the soil to create a loose surface. Evenly broadcast the seeds across the soil, then gently rake again to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

More Involved Method:

For better results, especially in areas with aggressive weeds, use a terram membrane. This process involves laying a terram membrane over the planting area to suppress weed growth. Spread a layer of calcareous soil, which is rich in calcium and ideal for many wildflowers, over the membrane. Evenly sow the seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them in to ensure good contact. This method is more costly and labour-intensive but significantly increases the chances of a vibrant and successful meadow.

When to Plant

The best time to plant your Shady Garden 80/20 Mix is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to October). These periods provide the optimal temperatures and moisture conditions necessary for seed germination and establishment.

Where to Plant

This mix is designed to flourish in shaded areas, so select a location with partial shade or dappled sunlight. Avoid spots that are deeply shaded or completely exposed to full sun. Ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile to support healthy plant growth.

Watering Schedule

During the initial establishment phase, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water gently to avoid washing away the seeds. Once the seedlings are established, they will require minimal watering, relying primarily on natural rainfall. However, during prolonged dry periods, occasional watering may be necessary to maintain healthy growth.

Blooming Period

The wildflowers in your Shady Garden 80/20 Mix will bloom from late spring through summer, typically from May to August. This period may vary slightly depending on local climate conditions and the specific flowers in the mix.

Expected Plant Height

The wildflowers in this mix will vary in height, generally ranging from 20 cm to 1.2 metres. This variety adds visual interest and supports a range of pollinators and wildlife.

What you get

Wildflowers Included in the Mix

• Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)
• Cowslip (Primula veris)
• Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
• Greater Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
• Hedge Parsley (Torilis japonica)
• Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum)
• Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris)
• Musk Mallow (Malva moschata)
• Red Campion (Silene dioica)
• Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris)
• Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)
• Vetch (Vicia spp.)
• White Campion (Silene latifolia)
• Ox-Eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
• Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris)

Grasses Included in the Mix

• Chewing Fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. commutata)
• Common Bent (Agrostis capillaris)
• Slender Creeping Fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. litoralis)
• Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)
• Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
• Wood Meadow Grass (Poa nemoralis)