How to Start a Wildflower Garden

There’s a wildflower garden on the south side of my home where switchgrass and wildflowers grow freely. It’s a quiet space, tucked away from the rest of the garden, and every spring I add red clover and zinnias to the mix. By late summer, the flowers bloom in waves of color, and the wildlife bees, butterflies, birds arrive like clockwork. This garden isn’t just beautiful. It’s a source of food, shelter, and peace.

I love this wildflower garden, but I’ve been dreaming of adding a rock wall and a garden gate. Something that creates a sense of privacy, like a sanctuary for animals and people alike. A place to rest, reflect, and feel held by nature.

the is garden was grown by Susang6

How to Start a Wildflower Garden

Growing wildflowers isn’t difficult, but it does require intention. Start by choosing the right location most wildflowers need full to part sun and well-drained soil. Turn the soil with a shovel or tiller, and amend it if needed. I always mix in compost to enrich the soil with nutrients.

Before buying seeds, read the growing requirements. That way, you’ll know exactly which part of your yard suits your chosen flowers. I recommend buying wildflower seeds in bulk and selecting varieties that thrive in your growing zone.

My favorite wildflowers grown with bee balm 

 

Planting Tips for Success

• Spring is best. The seasonal rains help seedlings establish strong roots.
• Water wisely. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet.
• Use straw. A thin layer helps retain moisture and protect young plants.
• Create a path. I use a grass trimmer to cut the area low, then lay down weed control fabric topped with mulch or gravel.

 

Susang6 wildflower garden

Details from My Wildflower Garden

• Coneflowers and daisies bloom in waves see the photo of my garden.
• Transplants are growing nicely, especially along the path.
• The garden path was created with a simple grass trimmer, and it works beautifully.

Grow Tradescantia Subaspera Spiderwort

Tradescantia subaspera common name is the spiderwort. This native wildflower grows in shade to part shade in woodland areas. The foliage of the tradescantia is dark green with arching leaves that are long and slender. 

When fully grown this plant is 20 to 26 inches in height with a spread of two feet. The stems grow out of the center of the plant and the bud cluster forms in April followed by flowers in May. This plant will produce blooms through July.

I discovered the spiderwort growing in the woods by my home.  The area was a rocky terrain with clay soil and spiderwort was growing amongst the rocks. 

I picked the flower and a milky substance emerged and the flower became weak and died.  Spiderwort is a woodland wildflower that is meant to be admired. 

The spiderwort produces a small three-petal flower that comes in the colors of white, rose, purple and dark blue. This flower has a long bloom life. 

 Grow the tradescantia along a border, in a shady rock garden, or in a container.   I grow my spiderwort in the shady section of my rock garden and I also grow it with my Hosta plants.

Cut back my spiderwort after the blooms are spent.  Spiderwort goes into hibernation during the heat of summer and I will apply leaf matter, pine needles, or wood chip mulch around the plants to aid in moisture and to protect it from excess weed growth during the summer months.  

The first week of September, I will remove the mulch and fertilize the spiderwort.  It will then re-bloom in the fall.

The long-lived spiderwort wildflower will add color and interest to your yard and garden. Here are other photos of the spiderwort that grows in my yard and gardens.

 

View this video to learn more about the native wildflower spiderwort: