u/ThursdaysWithDad

I'm trying to create a meadow, and part of that work is cutting it regularly.

​

As grasses and other aggressively growing species are dominating, I decided to do two cuts this year to bully them as much as possible. In hindsight, I should have only cut the lushest parts and left the rest untouched, but I'll just have to remember that next year.

​

Next cutting is at the end of summer, when most flowering species are done for the season. Sadly this early cut ends some blooming a bit early, but sometimes you have to make compromises.

We are now into summer three of the meadow project. I expect results to take time, but there are already noticeable differences.

​

First off, the phragmites that I have cut below the water are mostly gone. On land, they're noticeably weaker than the parts I have left alone, but still abundant. I have won the battle, but the war is far from over. The plan is to do the same thing this year as last, and then expand to start cutting the last bit next year.

​

Overall, diversity has gone up everywhere. And there are lots more flowers already, but sadly most native flowers around here are kinda small and discreet, so they don't show up in pics like this.

​

And the amount of orchids have exploded, which I absolutely did not expect. Right now, I find them here there and everywhere when walking around.

​

Also, new species has been popping up. Where the phragmites are in recession, sedges and sea grasses are taking over. Other places, plants that like open areas have appeared, and other that like human interference are starting to appear.

​

I'm really exited to see how it evolves as I continue to fight phragmites, grasses and aggressive growers.

​

​

As the first spring flowers are done, the early summer gang takes over. And soon, the wild orchids will bloom in all their glory.