Going Wild in BC
Meadows
Hedgehogs & Bugs Like Dead Hedges
Meadows – Cut in Late Summer/Early Autumn
Why cut meadows later in the year?
Wildflower meadows are among the most important habitats for biodiversity, supporting pollinators, birds and small mammals. Cutting them in late summer or early autumn allows plants to flower and set seed, while still keeping the meadow healthy.
- Wildflowers feed bees, butterflies and hoverflies through the summer.
- Seed heads provide food for birds and insects in late season.
- Cutting and removing the hay keeps soil fertility low, allowing wildflowers – not coarse grasses – to thrive.
At Going Wild in BC, we manage meadows carefully so they remain colourful, diverse and full of life. By timing cuts for wildlife, we give pollinators and birds the best chance to benefit from these precious habitats.
Why We’re Letting the Meadows Grow
A guide to what’s happening — and why it matters
Across our community, you may have noticed areas of grass being left longer, dotted with wildflowers, seed heads and taller stems. It can look different from the lawns many of us are used to — but there’s a good reason for this change.
We’re growing wildflower meadows, and their more natural look is an important part of the process, not a sign of neglect. And a “meadow” doesn’t have to mean a large, sweeping field — it can also be a standard garden lawn managed for wildlife.
Why Wildflower Meadows?
Wildflower meadows support an incredible amount of life.
They provide:
- Food for bees and butterflies all summer long
- Seeds for birds in autumn
- Shelter for insects and small wildlife
A regularly mown lawn simply can’t offer this. Meadows bring nature back into our everyday spaces — quietly, beautifully, and with real ecological impact.
Why We’re Not Mowing as Often
To grow a functioning meadow, grass and flowers need time to flower, feed insects, and set seed.
This means:
- Cutting once or twice a year
- Removing the cuttings to keep soil fertility low
- Allowing wildflower species to slowly take hold
Straight after the summer cut the meadow can look a little rough. This is temporary and a sign of a healthy meadow.
It May Look Different
A meadow doesn’t have the neat, clipped look of traditional lawns.
Instead, you’ll see:
- Tall grasses
- Flowers at different heights
- Seed heads waving in the breeze
- A mix of colours and textures
This more natural look isn’t lack of care — it’s a new type of care, one that puts nature first and lets the landscape breathe.
And remember: even small spaces — including ordinary garden lawns — can be meadows when managed in a wildlife-friendly way.
The Meadow Will Change Over Time
In the first year or two, grasses may dominate.
As seasons pass, more wildflowers appear.
Insects increase.
Birds return.
The space becomes richer, more colourful, more alive.
A meadow is something that grows with us, year after year.
Thank you for giving the meadows time to establish. Together, we’re creating pockets of biodiversity that will support wildlife — and brighten our community — for years to come.