As the UK continues to face significant biodiversity loss, Johnson’s Lawn Seed has introduced a new product aimed at helping gardeners support local wildlife and pollinators without sacrificing a functional lawn.
“Nature’s Lawn with Mowable Wildflowers” combines slow-growing grass varieties with native wildflower seeds, allowing homeowners to create habitats for beneficial insects while maintaining a usable garden space.
The initiative comes at a critical time for UK biodiversity. According to a May 2024 UK Parliament report, the country has lost almost 7.5 million acres of flower-rich meadows and pastures since the 1930s. The UK now retains just 50.3% of its original biodiversity, placing it among the ten worst countries globally for biodiversity preservation.
The new seed mix features eight wildflower varieties specifically selected to support pollinators, including Birdsfoot Trefoil, Black Medick, Black Knapweed, Lady’s Bedstraw, Meadow Buttercup, Oxeye Daisy, Self-Heal, and Yarrow. Each plays a different role in supporting garden ecosystems – from providing nectar for bees and butterflies to improving soil health through nitrogen fixation.
Unlike traditional wildflower meadows that can be difficult to maintain in domestic settings, Nature’s Lawn can be mowed at heights between 50mm and 150mm. The wildflowers have been selected to adapt to regular cutting while still providing ecological benefits. The company recommends raising the mower height and reducing mowing frequency to allow wildflowers to flourish.
The grass component features varieties like Strong Creeping Red Fescue, Chewings Fescue, and Hard Fescue – all chosen for their durability and ability to withstand regular use while growing slowly enough to allow wildflowers to establish.
“By raising the mowing height and reducing how often you mow, you’ll create the perfect conditions and opportunity for wildflowers to flourish, significantly enhancing biodiversity and positively impacting the environment,” a representative from Johnson’s Lawn Seed explained.
The seed mix is designed to be self-sustaining, with wildflowers self-seeding over time to increase their presence in the lawn. For gardeners looking for a more dramatic meadow effect, the company also offers higher-density wildflower options called Country Meadow and Celebration Wildflowers.
Johnson’s Lawn Seed, established in 1820 and the oldest lawn seed brand in the UK, developed the product as part of its parent company DLF’s 15-year breeding and research program. Nature’s Lawn is now available in 400g cartons from garden centers and retailers nationwide.
