Graham Ross's Guide to a Meadow Garden

If you’ve ever dreamed of a garden bursting with colour, buzzing with bees and overflowing with wildflowers, Better Homes and Gardens’ Graham Ross says it’s a lot more achievable than you think, and it starts with one simple autumn task.

“You know, there’s something captivating about a meadow-style landscape,” says Graham. “It doesn’t matter what style of meadow garden you’d like to create; it’s a lot easier than you might think.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Autumn is the best time to sow flower seeds for a stunning spring display

Direct sowing produces stronger, faster-growing and quicker-flowering plants

Mr Fothergill’s seed shaker boxes take the guesswork out of variety selection

Keep seeds consistently moist — water at least once a week, more in dry conditions

Most seeds will germinate within three to four weeks and be fully up by five to six weeks

Mr Fothergill’s seed shaker boxes

Graham’s secret weapon? Mr Fothergill’s seed shaker direct-sowing boxes make starting your garden so simple.

The range includes options for every kind of gardener — a bee-friendly mix, a butterfly-friendly combo, a cut-flower garden, an edible-flower garden, a cottage-garden mix and a scented flower garden.

Graham’s personal pick? The bee-friendly mix. “I just love having bees in the garden,” he says.

mr fothergills seed shaker mix

Why direct sowing makes all the difference

Beyond the variety, Graham is a big advocate for the direct sowing method these boxes are designed for.

“The plant germinates in the ground, where it’s going to grow, and it gets a much stronger root system right up front. You end up with a stronger plant, a quicker growing plant, and you end up with a quicker flowering plant.”

How to get the best results

His advice for getting the best results: water thoroughly after sowing, and keep the soil consistently moist.

“You might be watering at least once a week, or if it’s really dry, maybe twice or three times a week. But you must keep them nice and moist.”

Most seeds will be up within five to six weeks, with strong growth kicking in during the second month.

Autumn is the ideal window to get started. As Graham says, “Autumn is the time to be planting all your bulbs. It’s also time to be sowing your flower seeds for a great display in spring.”

Writer

Livia Gamble

Senior Digital Content Producer

With a Bachelor’s degree in communications and over a decade of industry experience, Livia is a seasoned content producer and editor who has a knack for crafting articles brimming with helpful information you never knew you needed (but you do). She has covered various topics, from home decor and gardening to health and wellness, showcasing her versatility and expertise. Livia’s writing has been featured in publications such as the lifestyle section of the Sydney Morning Herald. Additionally, she has worked as a content editor for various parenting and lifestyle brands, including Babyology and Essential Kids. When she isn’t reporting on ways to improve your home and garden, she can be found crocheting ponchos and attempting to master the perfect homemade pizza dough.

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