Reaping the benefits
For a few years I have been “doing” No Mow May, a concept in the gardening year which is growing rapidly. Launched by Plantlife in 2019 here in the UK, if you have not come across it before, you save your grass from the lawnmower and let it grow for the whole month of May. This allows the wildflowers to come through, provides a richer diverse plant system to thrive which is a source of nutrition for all manner of insects.
Now, if you are a fan of a manicured lawn, or are living with someone who likes things to be neat and tidy in the horticultural department, No Mow May can be a little tense. For the first few days in the month, everything looks lush and seems to be enjoying its freedom. As the month progresses, however, things become more pre-Raphaelite, bohemian, wayward, feral.
Dandelions parade their rays of sunshine blooms, quickly followed by their globes of potential offspring which, when left, float themselves of into the sunset with gay abandon. Grasses sway in the spring breeze, tiny geraniums (herb robert) seem to smile, having been saved from the weeder’s trowel. Everything in the garden seems happier, natural and free to just be, which is ultimately what I strive for on a daily basis. The irony is not lost on me.
Dreams can come true
When I look out onto my lawn it feels like I am beginning to live amongst a wildlife meadow. I have really noticed all of the diversity (plants and animals) surrounding me and I love it. One of my gardening dreams, apart from having my own woodland and orchard, is to have my own wildflower meadow. It feels that this month I have achieved one of those dreams, albeit on a very small scale.
What’s next?
We are coming towards the end of the month and this year, I feel, there are decisions to be made. Normally on the 1st June, the lawnmower would be fired up at 10 am at the latest. But, this year, I would like things to be different. I would love to keep the lawn as it is and just mow paths through it. Insects still need this source of sustenance beyond May and, by leaving it, I can help them for the rest of the summer. And, as a bonus, as the grass grows, it will provide a safe habitat for my emerging baby frogs I am carefully nurturing. I am aware that by undertaking this type of gardening it will be more difficult to return to the manicured lawn that has been there for many years and that my hayfever may suffer, but I think it will be worth it.
Help me decide…shall I go for straight or curvy paths through the grass?
Making a difference further afield
On a larger scale, councils mowing grass verges all through the summer could be reduced. I get that near the road the grass needs to be cut for safety reasons but further into the verges, roundabouts, in parkland and in other green spaces, the grass could be left to grow. It would be interesting to research the impact it would make to the biodiversity around and the council budgets. Maybe we could start a revolution! Who’s with me?
Something to answer here or journal about
I am curious:
Have you been doing No Mow May and what impact have you seen?
What environmental conservation is close to your heart?
I had never heard of No Mow May, living here in the U.S. A wonderful idea, but I think my husband would go crazy if the lawn couldn't be mowed all month! He does, however, love my garden full of butterfly and bee attracting plants... Maybe I'll start planting some of those in the front yard...
Hi Daisy! It's a constant battle throughout the year on our plot - between the wildflower meadow loveliness when we let the grass grow - and the unmanageable mess when it gets too much and we are trying to clean up after the dogs :-) I'm like you, and dream of my own wildflower meadow some day. For now, the deal is that we will let patches grow, wherever there are wildflowers, and mow around them until they get too long, then we will cut them and let other patches grow. It seems to work well - but I'd love to leave it all!