The Wildflower Meadow

Wildflower Meadow - buttercups in May
Wildflower Meadow - buttercups in May
Wild Flower Meadow - Ox-eye Daisies
Wild Flower Meadow - Ox-eye Daisies
The recently established wildflower meadow lies at the bottom of the garden. Much of the diversity of wild flowers has been lost in grassland in Northamptonshire due to modern farming methods. The meadow was planted at Coton to provide added colour and conservation interest to the garden. It has been used this year by the BBC to film one of their new 'channel identity' clips.
Wildflower Meadow
Wildflower Meadow
Meadow Buttercups & Ox-Eye Daisies
Meadow Buttercups & Ox-Eye Daisies
BBC 'identity clip'
BBC 'identity clip'
The first flush of colour in early June comes from flowers such as Ox-Eye Daisies, Meadow Crane's Bill, Ragged Robin, Common Vetch and Yellow Rattle. This is followed in July by Knapweed, Field Scabious, Birds-foot Trefoil, Wild Carrot, Yarrow and Lady's Bedstraw. The Meadow is cut for hay in late July and grazed by sheep through the autumn.
Turning the Hay
Turning the Hay
Sheep in the meadow
Sheep in the meadow
It has established itself with remarkable speed, and with the aid of a few new species planted as plugs grown in the nursery, it becomes more diverse each year. Many butterflies, moths and other insects such as those pictured below have benefited from the project. There is a meandering path through the meadow, enabling visitors to walk amongst the flowers.
Wildflower Meadow Panorama
Wildflower Meadow Panorama
Six Spot Burnet Moth
Six Spot Burnet Moth
Common Blue Butterfly
Common Blue Butterfly