Broadback writes
I have rather a large garden. One section about 25x25 yards is rough
grass. Until now I have cut it regularly, which is rather tiring
especially as there are a number of trees around which I keep the area
free of grass and weeds. Now the time has come when I am unable to mow
it, what will happen if I leave it wild? Will it become infested with
nettles and thistles, or just an attractive collection of various
"weeds"? At the moment there are plenty of interesting flowers growing,
however if it became thistle and nettle infested it may well upset my
neighbours. Is there an easy and acceptable solution please? I cannot
afford to have someone to come in every week or so to cut it.

Ultimately it will turn to scrub and eventually trees. The route it
takes depends on how rich the soil is - if it's rich, the route will be
via nettles and docks. If it's less rich, then via a number of
attractive flowers. The fact you already have a good range of flowers in
it suggests that it may not be very rich (in rich ground, the grass
usually wins the competition). Then you'll start getting brambles which
will provide cover for tree seedlings.

'Wild' grassland is maintained in that state by regular mowing - by hand
or machine, rabbits or sheep.
--
Kay