Spring has sprung, and the urge to tame the ever-growing lawn might be strong. But before you reach for the lawnmower, consider giving your green space a rest and joining the #NoMowMay movement. This nationwide campaign encourages us to hold off on mowing our lawns throughout May, and for good reason.
The Power of Pause
#NoMowMay isn’t about letting your garden run wild completely. It’s about recognising the crucial role our lawns, even the neatly manicured ones, can play in supporting biodiversity. Here’s why taking a break from mowing in May can benefit your garden and the wildlife that calls it home:
A Feast for Pollinators: May is a time when wildflowers burst into bloom, providing a vital source of nectar for pollinators like bees, butterflies and hoverflies. Leaving your lawn uncut allows these vital creatures to find food and flourish.
A Haven for Habitat: Taller grasses offer valuable shelter for insects, small mammals like hedgehogs, and even slow worms. By delaying that mow, you’re creating a more welcoming environment for a whole range of wildlife.
Boosting Soil Health: Leaving grass clippings on the lawn allows them to decompose naturally, returning valuable nutrients to the soil. This, in turn, helps to create a healthier environment for all your garden plants.
The History of #NoMowMay
The #NoMowMay campaign originated in the UK in 2019 by the charity Plantlife, who offer a whole range of supporting resources. They recognised the decline of wildflowers and pollinators in recent years and saw the potential of our everyday lawns to play a role in their recovery.
#NoMowMay – It’s Not Just for Lawns!
While the focus of #NoMowMay is on lawns, the idea can be applied to other areas of your garden too. Consider leaving a small section of your flower bed uncut to allow wildflowers to flower freely, or dedicate a patch of bare soil to a wildflower seed mix. Every little bit helps!
Embrace a Low-Maintenance Meadow
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution for a wildlife-friendly and low-maintenance alternative to a traditional lawn, consider opting for wildflower turf. Here at Genesis Gardens, we offer a range of wildflower turf options specifically designed for UK gardens. These pre-grown turf squares are packed with a diverse selection of native wildflowers, and once established, require minimal mowing and watering. Read our full guide on Wildflower Turf or our blog Five beautiful reasons to create a wildflower meadow or use wildflower turf in your garden for lots more information.
The Benefits of Wildflower Turf
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- A Riot of Colour: Wildflower turf provides a vibrant display of blooms throughout the summer months, attracting a variety of pollinators.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, wildflower turf requires minimal mowing – usually just once or twice a year.
- Sustainable Choice: Wildflower turf promotes biodiversity and is a sustainable alternative to traditional lawns.
- Cost-effective: Wildflower turf can be a cost-effective option for landscaping, particularly in large areas where traditional turf can be expensive to establish and maintain
Join the Movement!
Whether you choose to let your existing lawn grow wild in May or explore the option of wildflower turf, participating in #NoMowMay is a simple yet impactful way to support wildlife and create a more sustainable garden. You might be surprised at the beauty and biodiversity a little less mowing can encourage!
Ready to Make a Difference?
At Genesis Gardens, we’re passionate about creating beautiful gardens that work in harmony with nature. If you’d like to learn more about #NoMowMay or explore wildflower turf options for your garden, don’t hesitate to contact us today! We’re here to help you create a haven for you, your family and the wildlife that shares your garden space.