In message , K
writes
shazzbat writes

Most wild flowers grow happily amongst grass, in meadows, riverbanks,
hedgerows etc. They are all complimentary to each other.

Getting seedlings to grow in an established grass sward is a different
matter from allowing plants and grass to develop together.

There is the second point that most grassland in England appears to be
high in nutrient level, under which conditions the grass has a distinct
advantage (along with dandelions). Accepted advice for establishing a
wild flower meadow is now to remove the top layer of turf and soil to
reduce fertility, before sowing a seed mixture including both grass and
flowers.

I agree. I first tried scarifying a grassed (lawn) area and sowing
mixed wildflower seeds and it was a notable failure despite carefully
tending the seeded patch. Last year I removed patches of turf and
planted perennial plugs and annual/perennial seeds and had a success. I
have now removed the turf from about 10 sq metres of ground and am
contemplating converting a further 20+ sq metres. The only thing that
has been deterring me is the effort involved in removing the turf (just
using a spade is hard work) however I have discovered that there are
turf removal machines available to hire so progress is now much more
likely.

Landlife indicate the perennial seeds may be sown in either autumn or
spring.
http://www.wildflower.org.uk/departm...g_instructions
I will be sowing in the next 10 days and reviewing the situation in
March/April to see if a top-up is necessary.
--
Robert