Many autumn planted bulbs, seeds and plugs are stronger in spring and more climate resilient. The ground is still warm from the summer’s hot months, less watering is required and there is more time for established root growth. 

We can all do our bit to help pollinators by planting wildflowers and mini meadows in pots, gardens, schools, community green spaces, parks and alleyways.

Get planting this autumn

Plant these 5 wildflowers in a pot, container or in the ground:

1. Common knapweed
2. Oxeye daisy
3. Yarrow
4. Wild carrot
5. Field scabious

TIP: A sunny and well drained spot with low-nutrient soil is best to re-create a meadow. Mix seeds with sand for even sowing or plant plugs into the ground.

Mini meadows are amazing! And autumn is the ideal time to create one, which can be any size, either in a container or by converting a patch of lawn in a garden or community space. Mini meadows are beautiful and full of life, with less maintenance than a traditional lawn.

Did you see the mini meadows outside St Mary Redcliffe church this summer? They’re in their fourth year now and have been growing from strength to strength with colourful blooms and buzzing biodiversity next to a busy road. 

Avon Wildlife Trust’s wildflower nursery team at Grow Wilder has put together a tried and tested wildflower meadow pack containing over 25 species, to give pollinators a boost in local gardens and community spaces. This is in response to the dramatic decline of wildflower meadows and pollinators over the last few years. Everyone should be able to experience the benefits of a mini meadow. 

Perennial planting plans

Flowering every year, perennials can last many years. Spring flowers benefit from autumn planting - hedgerow flowers such as primrose, cowslip, red campion and cow parsley, as well as early-flowering pond plants such as marsh marigold. Equally, later-flowering perennials such as ox-eye daisy, field scabious or betony also gain from autumn planting, giving them more time to develop better root systems and grow, producing more flowers the following year.

By planting a variety of native or nectar rich plants this autumn, wherever this is possible for you, and by avoiding pesticides, you are creating an early-season feeding station for pollinators emerging from hibernation. Let’s give solitary bees, hoverflies, butterflies, moths and beetles a head start to spring. 

Be the change

Be the change, connect with nature and see the difference that wildflowers and mini meadows make for yourself by planting this autumn.

Visit the Grow Wilder wildflower nursery

Get inspiration from the local community