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I've been experimenting with meadow patches in my yard. It's been lovely watching them change through the year.
(vegantheoryclub.org)
Spring year 2 is particularly showy, and indicates at least a degree of self seeding successfully.
I chose 2 spots in the yard that had awful, compacted soil and consequently shitty growth anyway. My reasoning being if I was going to so work somewhere may as well make it somewhere that needed it anyway.
I initially choked the lawn with black plastic, then tilled it a bit, scattered compost and seeds atop. I ringed it in non specific mulch from the local tree lopers, as many trees release growth inhibiting chemicals that might have helped slow the encroaching grass.
After it was established I stopped watering it, and it's been left alone. I'll probably need to spread some more compost, and we haven't had a drought yet where it will likely need life support to save that cycle of seeds.
I mostly wanted to see how low effort unmanaged patches of garden replacing lawn could be. Turns out pretty, if you don't mind scruffiness.
It's very cool. There is such a wonderful variety of plants and colors. Beautiful place.