The Meadow Makers' Network Forum

I inadvertently got a nice example of the benefits of varied cutting regimes. An area of grass in our village grounds had been cut instead of left long. 2-3 weeks ago I asked for it to be left unmown and lots of catsear and oxeye daisies have appeared there that only thrive in the long grass earlier in the year

It looks good! And creates more diversity within the space. Many people think their meadow has to be all standing, or all mown down, at the same time. Cutting out sections of vigorous grass before they flower, whilst leaving the flowery areas standing, is a really good way of reducing nitrogen levels where the strong grasses are. If these grasses are allowed to grow up again to knee height and cut once more (and removed of course), the difference next year in terms of grass height and vigour can be very noticeable. Mown paths, if cut infrequently say every three to four weeks, allow plants that respond well to mowing to flower at miniature height, such as self-heal, birds'-foot trefoil, clovers and more.