We heard about No Mow May, whilst chatting to a wonderfully green fingered neighbour, we immediately agreed to take part

Even though it seemed a very simple idea (as in.. not mowing your garden for a month) we were interested to understand more about the origins of No Mow May and how not mowing our little outside space could make a positive impact to the environment and our lovely pollinator friends

Where and why did it start?

Launched by the British conservation charity, Plantlife, No Mow May was created as part of their Every Flower Counts campaign (see links at end of blog for more in depth information and details of how to take part)

..."Put quite simply, plants need pollinators and pollinators need plants"...

So, the more wild flowers that pop up thanks to not mowing, the more nectar can be produced. Fabulous! 

Right, we are totally doing this...

What did we find in our garden?

It only took 3 weeks for our little cottage garden to become a sea of daisies, dandelions, thistles and even surprise splash of bluebells.

It looked lovely, so natural, especially when the breeze blew through the longer tufts, I'd go as far to say it was, in fact, rather magical. (Pretty sure some magic was at play when this perfectly timed bee landed on the flower as I was filming) 

Forget-me-nots (myosotis)

As far as our results went, we genuinely thought these, easy-to spot, lovely additions to our grass, were all we were getting. However, it was only when we got down to ground-level to make our little video (link below) that we noticed so many other, smaller plants and flowers, which, in truth, we wouldn't have known were there otherwise

Here is a selection of images to share what we found 

Primrose / Primula vulgaris

Speedwell / Anagallis-aquatica

And there were more, including different flowering clovers and the tiniest of white violets (which you will spot in our video).  

What a delightful surprise it was. It made what already felt great to take part in, even more special. Such a simple thing to do, that gave us not only the opportunity to do something good for our insect friends, but we also got something so very peaceful out of it too.

We will absolutely be taking part again next year

Rosie & Mark X

PS If you would like to experience our No Mow May garden, then here is a link to our little video on our Instagram page, set to soothing music.. we hope the magic lands with you through your screen, enjoy x

Links:
Press the following hyperlinks if you would like to read more about Plantlife and perhaps even take part in their 'Every Flower Counts' campaign