Introduction

Driving along Auckland`s Southern Motorway, I`ve been delighted to see drifts of colour along the median strip and the verges. For kilometres the wildflowers are stretched along the motorway, bobbing colour as the cars shoot past.

I`ve since learned that the wildflowers are actually part of a project implemented by Transit New Zealand . The goal is to provide TNZ with savings on verge maintenance because the wildflower strips don`t require mowing or weed spraying. Not only that, but the road network is also made more aesthetically pleasing for motorists. Studies carried out in USA found that wildflowers on verges created a calming affect for the motorists which helped reduce road rage, speeding and littering.

Wildflowers don`t need to be left to open fields and motorways! They will create an enchanting, romantic patch within your own home garden too.

Wildflowers are hardy and are generally resistant to pests or disease. You can sow the seeds directly where you want the flowers to grow, they bloom from Spring through Summer, and can continue into Autumn. They`ll set seed before dying off and it`s very likely that the following year you`ll have them reappear.

Selection

A mass of different colours and varieties gives a more natural effect than a wildflower garden planted with too much control on colour or species. Pre-mixed packs of seeds are readily available. The variety of wildflowers is extensive: Cosmos, blue cornflowers, California poppies, yellow evening primrose, forget-me-nots, monkey flower, larkspur, white Queen Annes`s lace, clarkia, coreopsis... and more!

When to Sow

Wildflowers can generally be sown anywhere, provided that you prepare the soil beforehand. (See `Preparing the Soil` below.) On the whole wildflowers are sun lovers, but there are some that will tolerate partial shade. You can plant them on steep slopes or on a flat section, in a small courtyard or go for glory and sprinkle a meadow! There are even varieties that suit windy and coastal sites. Look for what`s available at your local store.

Wildflowers grow in an average, well drained soil. The soil should be easily crumbled, not hard and compacted. Avoid water logged areas.

Pre-paring the site

Despite the appearance of the carefree jumble of flowers, the success of a wildflower patch depends largely upon the careful preparation of the soil before planting. All weeds and existing grass needs to be completely removed from the site. Wildflower seeds must make contact with soil for them to grow. They will not grow if they land on grass or weeds.

Once the site is clear of all weeds, the soil should be broken up into a light, crumbling structure. Work the soil vigorously with a rake or use a rotary hoe if necessary. Cultivate the top 35mm of soil. You do not need to apply a fertiliser, feeding will only encourage weeds.

Sowing Seed

Wildflower seeds are very small and it is easy to sow them too heavily. One way to overcome this is to mix the seed with some fine sand (at a ratio of at least 10 times the volume of sand to the amount of seeds.) Sprinkle the seeds as uniformly as possible over the prepared area. Rake the surface lightly afterwards to just cover the seeds. You don`t want the seeds to be buried too deeply or they won`t germinate. Water immediately after sowing.

Maintenance and Flowering

For the first weeks of growth, you should water two or three times a week. This will allow the seeds time to germinate. Once established, wildflowers tolerate dry conditions and they shouldn`t need extra watering unless the weather turns exceptionally hot and dry.

Any noticeable weeds should be pulled out. As the wildflowers become more established, they will suppress all but the most vigorous of weeds.

Flowering should begin within about 8-10 weeks from a spring or summer sowing and should last for three to four months, depending on the species. Cosmos, for example, can last up to eight months in warmer regions.

When flowering appears to be finishing and the foliage is starting to turn brown, trim the plants down to about 10 cm above the ground. Leave the cuttings on the surface so that all the seeds can be released. Pull out any noticeable weeds now. If the soil has hardened, lightly rake it over.

Beneficial Insects

Not only are wildflower gardens an enchanting display of country mix colour, some species produce huge amounts of pollen and nectar. This attracts bees, but also insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps. These insects cause humans to tread with caution but they are really good in controlling common garden pests like aphids and caterpillars.

Walk on the wild side!