Help us to create a haven for wildlife and embrace the wonders of wildflowers. 

Since the 1930s, a staggering 97% of our wildflower meadows in the UK have been lost and at Holland & Holland we are determined to help ensure they don't completely disappear. That is where we would like your help.

To spread the wonder of wildflowers we have been recycling our used shotgun cartridges and have filled them with some glorious wildflower seeds for you to sow at home. Below is a list of the seeds that are contained in your mix and some simple steps to planting them.

Instructions

Store Dry

Keep in a dark location

Avoid moisture

Not for human consumption

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The seeds will grow equally well in flowerpots, window boxes, flowerbeds, adjacent areas to lawns, or in “wilder areas” with light management. They will provide a colourful display across the early Summer months extending into early Autumn, whilst providing nectar and habitat for butterflies, moths, and other insects.   

1. Start by removing all existing weeds, grass, and other material from the selected ground in the planting area or holders.
2. Once the weeds and grass have been removed, prepare the soil to a fine tilth (crumbly to the touch), ready for sowing the wildflower meadow seeds.
3. Dig grooves in the soil in the pattern you want (eg straight lines, circular lines), then sow the seeds about 1.5- 2cm deep before covering them back over with the loose earth or tilth.
4. Use your hand, a section of flat timber, or footwear to flatten the earth and ensure the seeds have good contact with the soil. Compressing the soil enhances germination rates by ensuring the full surface area of each seed has soil contact.
5. Water sparingly but regularly according to weather conditions, ensuring good light levels so all the seed types to germinate successfully. Too much shade will cause some species to outcompete the others in the search for light.
6. The green shoots called nurse grasses will appear within 7 - 10 days, possibly sooner depending on the weather.
7. The plants themselves will grow at different rates and to different heights and densities depending on the species, seed distribution, and orientation to the sun. The soil itself need not be enriched. However, good drainage will help the plants to establish themselves and prosper
8. If growing in pots or other tubs, remove grasses from time so the wildflowers get as many nutrients as possible. Also, be mindful of temperature fluctuations in the summer months and water as required.
9. Three grams of seeds will provide about one square meter of coverage under normal growing conditions. The seed mix can be divided to suit your planting plan. Plant from late April/early May onwards.
10. Annuals will grow and flower in one seasonal cycle. Perennials will grow and flower in two seasonal cycles. Biennials grow in the first year and flower in the second year. Meadow grassland habitats store on average up to 3 tonnes of carbon per hectare per year, which is more than double the amount that British woodlands store. However, it is worth noting that certain species of tree will be capable of absorbing up to 3.5 tonnes

(Source: Conservation for the Grassland Trust).