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Discussion Forum
Started by farm-advice at 13 Aug 2010 4:24 PM. Topic has 1 replies.
  
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 13 Aug 2010, 4:24 PM
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farm-advice
Joined on 09 Nov 2005
Posts 473
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Marek Nowakowski's tips on establishing grass and flower margins
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Marek Nowakowski has written a feature in Farmers Weekly on establishing grass and flower mixes, and it is also available on-line here: http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/11/122762/Tips-on-establishing-grass-and-flower-margins.htm
He suggests that August and early September is the ideal time for establishment. Broadcasting is the best sowing technique as light is needed to break seed dormancy. The main challenge is tackling the vigorous grass growth resulting from high phosphate levels on arable soils. Regular mowing in the first year is key.
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19 Aug 2010, 9:40 AM
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mike.mcdowall
Joined on 03 Mar 2010
E.Lothian
Posts 29
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Re: Marek Nowakowski's tips on establishing grass and flower margins
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Well worth it.
After my kids left I got fed up mowing and fighting moss in what had been the football pitch. Dug a pond and sowed wildflower mixes in part of it. All now just gets mown in the autumn. Even the grass looks fine - develops a long silky mat, not a messy tangle. Also planted quite a few birch and let nature have more of a free hand in another plot.
Recently the results have been amazing. c. 15 willow warbler were feeding round the wildflower/pond area on Sunday with many more in the birch. Also had house sparrows and whitethroat. Had a flock of 60-80 finches in the birch on Tuesday evening. These included lesser redpoll, linnet, goldfinch and chaffinch.
All that on top of the usual tits and warblers. The swallows and house martins love skimming the pond and tree sparrows are regular visitors. There are two Scots pine beside the pond so hoping for crossbill !
Frankly I have been astounded at the abundance recently. Did manage up to c.150 finches/buntings feeding on my lawn on screenings in winter a few years ago, but numbers have declined. Never had anything like this in summer.
And I don't waste all that time on the mower ! I sold it :-)
Mike, E.Lothian.
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