Planting a “Wild” Flower Garden

Posted by Montserrat | 1 comment

There is a long narrow strip of dirt in our front yard that just begs for flowers. I could design a landscape for it and fill it with perennials but I prefer a “wild” look. It’s easy to do, we get to see the flowers grow from seed, and it never looks the same way from year to year. It also provides the terrific spot for a summer nature study.

April is the perfect time – even in the colder climates – to plant flowers from seed outside. I documented the process we took to plant our garden three years ago. I share it here in hopes that you’ll gain your own ideas and inspiration for growing your own “wild” garden of flowers.

While we were busy preparing the bed, tilling the soil, weeding, etc. this toad hopped onto my oldest daughter’s leg and scared her half to death. I thought it particularly funny because my daughter’s nickname is Toad.

We let him loose and he promptly began burrowing himself down into the dirt. The 18 month old was so interested in keeping track of that toad! Our three year old was also fascinated by how the toad used its legs to burrow itself down.

Back to the flower planting, everyone got to choose one type of flower they wanted to plant. To keep the garden “wild” looking we mixed all the seeds together in a paper bag. We opened a bag of potting soil into a wheelbarrow, then poured all of our flower seeds into it. This year we are planting several varieties of daisies, sunflowers, marigolds, zinnias, poppies and other wildflowers. After pouring all our seeds over the potting soil we mix it really well.

After mixing the soil and seeds we spread it evenly all over our flower bed. This creates a “wild” flower garden, which I just love. There is no rhyme or reason to where the seeds fall.

We keep it watered and play the waiting game – for several weeks – until the seeds start sprouting. Now the fun really begins. We all learn to identify what each flower is by looking at the leaves.

Whoever spots the first bloom of the year gets a special treat!

Throughout the summer we continue to watch our garden grow and bloom.

Looks nice and “wild” doesn’t it? Take a closer look and you’ll find:

It really is beautiful to see! Even the hummingbirds enjoy our “wild” flowers.

Get excited for spring! Create a little spot in your yard for a “wild” flower garden.

Montserrat Wadsworth is completely devoted to her wonderful husband, Joseph, and their eight children (seven girls and one boy!). They live on a 4,000 acre alfalfa farm nestled in a small Northern Nevada valley. They’ve been homeschooling for 11+ years. Montserrat enjoys, photography, cooking, crafting, chocolate, and sloppy goodnight kisses. She strives to live each day as God would have her do following Mary’s biblical supplication, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38) You can find her at her blog Chocolate On My Cranium.