To mow or not to mow? That is the question…
No Mow May is here, so we thought we’d share a little about our experience at Trapham Barn. For anyone who hasn’t heard about the “no mow” movement, the aim is to limit mowing during Spring - so that insects and birds have a natural source of food and habitat. It can be difficult to balance a natural look with the desire for a tidy garden but, having wrestled with it for a few years now, we’d like to think we’ve reached a happy compromise with Mother Nature…
A view from Dick and Tina at Trapham Barn.
We’re lucky to have space - our plot is around half an acre and surrounded by farmland. However, we’re also busy so split the work in a fair and equitable way. Mechanised work is my responsibility. Weeding and all things plants are the responsibility of my wife, Tina. I am clueless at identifying the weeds and flowers that provide sustenance to a particular butterfly or bird, but do enjoy rattling around on the mower. It’s a good split - for us and the wildlife!
As our garden was a farmyard, going back to the English Civil War, it is pretty much impossible to dig (or so Tina tells me). Over the years, we have built lots of raised beds, in timber and brick. The raised beds are generally mature, so largely maintain themselves.
We have added an area of grass that is never cut, in a corner of the garden, which has been colonised by frogs! We’re miles from the nearest pond, so I have no idea how they arrived, but they did. Nothing pleases our grandchildren more than rustling through the raised beds until a frog makes them jump! The frogs don’t seem to mind and last year we discovered our first toad.
And now to the lawns. We settled on the concept of islands, and let them grow all summer - with Daisies, Dandylions, Clover, and the odd thistle. This compromise allows us some order and a home for nature. Whilst we love to feed the birds, seeing Goldfinches feed naturally on Clover is much more rewarding. In the Autumn I slowly reduce the islands to keep things tidy over winter.
Is it the best way? Who knows, but No Mow May, followed by 'Short Back and Sides' June, doesn’t seem to make much sense. Equally, there is a limit to the disorder that can be tolerated.
Tina explains:
“Amongst our natural borders, we allow Teasel, Ox-eye daisy, Cornflower, White dead-nettle - which is in abundance (out of control. Ed), and filtering through the growth Forget-Me-Nots. Also, Chive is beginning to bud nicely now amongst the fragrant Rosemary which is full of delicate lilac flowers. Tallest of all is the delicate wildflower Parsley.
The Islands of grass that we leave uncut are full of white daisies and are jewelled with Buttercups and Dandelions. These attract early bees and Wood Pigeon, and Blackbirds forage in the islands, cocking their heads and listening for worms. With beaks laden they scoot off to their early broods”.
A view from Andrew’s Yorkshire.
Our garden is modest, around 10m x 5m, and with young children (and lots of rain), it’s difficult to keep things in ‘show home’ condition. We added some raised beds a few years ago, which run a little wild, as I’ve inherited dad’s inability to tell flowers from weeds. However, they flower, and keep the bees and butterflies happy which is all we can hope for.
Even though we’re limited at home with how much plant life we can support, I did contact the Parish Council last year to see if they had heard about #NoMowMay. They hadn’t and, unfortunately, had already arranged for contractors to mow the green space in and around our village, but agreed to discuss it ahead of this year.
Now, I’m happy to report that our village has embraced #NoMowMay, limiting mowing and planting wildflowers so I’d encourage you to contact your local councils or parish to see if they can help out too!
