Those with farm properties reap the benefits of wide open spaces; large fields give way to wildflowers and invite animals to graze, making the area feel instantly idyllic. While not all of us can call a farm home, if you have plenty of front yard space, we believe that you can make your land feel like a meadow.
Case in point: Christie Brinkley recently rewilded her front yard, which she showed off on her Instagram page. According to her caption, there are countless benefits to the rewilding process.
‘Since rewilding my property, I call my front yard my meadow!’ she states in the caption. ‘I’ve watched as Baby Bambis took their first wobbly steps here, and with so much to nibble on in the meadow they seemed to leave my vegetable and flower garden alone. Plus I used less water and cut my mowing cost in half (I still mow a little walking path.) Another bonus is the only leaves I sweep away, are on my terrace, the rest are left where they fall, providing shelter for beneficial insects that are becoming endangered. And naturally everything is organic. No chemicals are used to kill weeds. Instead I pick weed flower bouquets and eat the dandelions!’
According to experts, rewilding is an increasingly popular practice, with many homeowners looking for a more pastoral appearance in their yards.
‘In recent years, many gardeners have turned away from manicured, pristine plots in favor of a more natural approach to their backyards,’ says Gardens content editor at Homes & Gardens, Thom Rutter. ‘Wild gardening has many benefits, not least welcoming wildlife into your yard.’
He continues, ‘As Christie Brinkley reveals, by nurturing wild patches of grass and meadow-like planting, dragonflies, butterflies, and birds will flock to your yard, in search of food and shelter.’
(Image credit: Tama Matsuoka Wong)
As we can see in Brinkley’s photo, she has a large plot of land, which clearly requires some maintenance. It is important to be mindful of the upkeep that wild gardens entail, but Rutter says that implementing them on a smaller scale is a great way to begin, giving us some wildflower garden ideas.
‘If you are new to the world of wild gardening, it can seem daunting,’ he says. ‘My advice: start small! Why not leave one small section of lawn to grow, creating a small meadow? In this area, you can scatter wildflower seeds and enjoy the hum and buzz of pollinator activity in the summer. Flowers like cornflowers, poppies, and yellow rattle are all easy to grow and are known to be a hit with wildlife.’
Below, we have rounded up some wild garden essentials. Happy shopping!
Wild Flowers
Outsidepride All Perennial Wild Flower Seed
This eclectic seed mix includes a wide assortment of 16 perennial species like Siberian Wallflower, Lance-leaved Coreopsis, Blue Flax, Purple Coneflower, and Lupine – perfect for rewilding your yard.
Rain Barrel
50 Gallon Eco Rain Barrel
This flat-back rain barrel comes with a stand and is manufactured from 100% recycled polyethylene, making it extra durable. It’s a sustainable method to collect water for the wildlife growing in your garden.
Poppy Seeds
Containing 500 seeds, these packets are perfect for abundant gardens, with results in just days – so you can get the Brinkley look even sooner.
Having a farm property comes with the perks of vast open spaces; expansive fields that bloom with wildflowers and attract grazing animals, creating an instantly idyllic atmosphere. While not everyone can live on a farm, if you have a generous front yard, it’s possible to transform your land into a meadow.
For example, Christie Brinkley recently rewilded her front yard and shared the transformation on her Instagram. According to her caption, there are numerous advantages to the rewilding process.
‘Since rewilding my property, I call my front yard my meadow!’ she declares. ‘I’ve witnessed Baby Bambis taking their first steps here, and with plenty to munch on in the meadow, they seem to leave my vegetable and flower garden untouched. Not only have I reduced water usage and cut mowing costs in half (I still maintain a walking path), but the only leaves I clear are on my terrace; the rest provide shelter for endangered beneficial insects. Everything is naturally organic, with no chemicals used to eliminate weeds. Instead, I gather weed flower bouquets and enjoy dandelions!’
Experts highlight that rewilding is gaining popularity among homeowners seeking a more pastoral look for their yards.
‘In recent times, many gardeners have shifted away from perfectly manicured gardens in favor of a more natural approach,’ notes Thom Rutter, Gardens content editor at Homes & Gardens. ‘Wild gardening offers numerous benefits, including attracting wildlife to your yard.’
(Image credit: Tama Matsuoka Wong)
Brinkley’s photo showcases a sizable plot of land that requires some upkeep. It’s crucial to be mindful of the maintenance wild gardens demand, although Rutter suggests starting on a smaller scale as a great way to begin, offering some wildflower garden ideas.
‘If you’re new to wild gardening, it can seem overwhelming,’ he advises. ‘Start small! Why not let a small section of your lawn grow to create a mini meadow? Scatter wildflower seeds in this area and enjoy the buzz of pollinator activity during summer. Flowers like cornflowers, poppies, and yellow rattle are easy to grow and attract wildlife.’
Below, we’ve curated some essential items for your wild garden. Happy shopping!
Wild Flowers
Outsidepride All Perennial Wild Flower Seed
This diverse seed mix contains 16 perennial species like Siberian Wallflower, Lance-leaved Coreopsis, Blue Flax, Purple Coneflower, and Lupine – ideal for rewilding your yard.
Rain Barrel
50 Gallon Eco Rain Barrel
This rain barrel, made from 100% recycled polyethylene, comes with a stand and is a sustainable way to collect water for the wildlife in your garden.
Poppy Seeds
Containing 500 seeds, these packets are perfect for abundant gardens, with results in just days – so you can achieve the Brinkley look sooner.