Peak District wild meadow garden

Having just returned from a visit to this stunning estate where we started a meadow garden in May, I am keen to share our learning.

Meadows in early August after May seeding

Gardens set in The Peak District National Park

Preparation of the site in mid May

Having cleared the site of an oppressive spruce plantation, I was asked to advise on the planting of this previously productive walled garden.  The brief was to provide interest from May to October using inexpensive and low maintenance planting suitable for the extreme conditions of this exposed site of one and a quarter acres at 335m.

In keeping with the high curved stone wall and south facing slope running down to the stream, I recommended a wild meadow garden.   The plan is based on a series of sweeps of meadows and wild planting following the curves of the wall.  Dividing the planting and providing several walks down to the stream and into the rest of the garden, several turf paths were created.

View across meadows to the woods mid August

In May following preparation including drainage, British native wild flower turf was laid and 3 distinct mixes of perennial and annual flower meadows were seeded: nectar-rich, Jekyll in soft pinks and blues and a bio-diversity mix.  Despite the challenging dry spring and wet summer the planting has established well.

View across the stream

Sweeps of fruit trees, rowans and hawthorn trees are planned for autumn planting to be underplanted withPeak District wild meadow garden Rugosa roses and geraniums.

Masterplan