On a slightly chilly but sunny spring day, we met the effervescent biologist Vicky Knudsen in a wild garden in Fårevejle. We had a "little chat" about how we can incorporate more wild nature into our gardens, a topic she is deeply passionate about. Unfortunately, our wild nature is currently facing a serious threat. Danish butterflies and insects are lacking food and breeding sites.

Note that from May to August 2021, we sent a letter with 5 square meters of wildflower seeds "Danish Wild Meadow" to everyone who ordered paving products. However, the campaign has now ended...

Finding life in the garden on this raw March day was absolutely no problem for Vicky. With her dog Bowie-Jett as an eager spectator, Vicky checked whether the slave ant had awakened from its winter hibernation, commented on the bullfinch in the tree, and the woodpecker in the distance. We were in no doubt that without Vicky's presence, we would have never noticed the life in the garden - so intense and palpable.

Use Only Native Species

If your wild garden does not have native species, you are not catering to the offspring of the species. Butterfly larvae, for instance, cannot eat and therefor cannot survive on foreign species. Therefore, Danish Wild Meadow, which Vicky carefully selected, is a brilliant mix. In the spring of 2021, IBF is also gifting everyone who orders concrete products a packet of flower seeds - hoping in this way to initiate a lot of wonderful wild gardens.

How to Sow Your Wild Seeds

It’s super easy to sow wildflower seeds. Follow the instructions below - and you'll have happy bees and butterflies in your garden.

1. Choose a sunny, open spot in the garden, i.e., where there is plenty of sun and no buildings or trees to cast shade.

2. Peel off the grass and the top layer of soil. 10-20 cm of soil should be removed.

3. Loosen the soil and mix it with sand and gravel to deplete the soil - this is especially important if you live in Zealand, where the soil is more clayey and rich. Sand and gravel can be purchased at your local hardware store.

4. Mix the flower seeds with some sand, making them easier to sow, and spread them out on the soil patch. Lightly rake the soil to cover the seeds and then water the area afterward. Then just wait for the seeds to sprout.

Create a Path and Let the Grass Grow

You can also let the grass grow and arrange a wild garden with a winding path that takes garden visitors on a tour among nature's own flowers and plants.

With stepping stones, you can lay a garden path that marks a route around the garden and paves the way so that the garden can be actively enjoyed during cozy afternoon hours or a cup of coffee in the evening sun. Let the garden path end at a selected area where you have chosen to keep the grass mowed.

As stepping stones, you can use IBF Soldier Tiles or Border Tiles, both available in a rectangular format. You can also use our new Round Tiles which will surely give your garden its own personal touch.

Sow Your Wild Seeds in Planters or Pots

It’s super easy to sow your wildflower seeds in planters and pots. It can be beneficial to use large planters - as they more easily retain water. IBF Plant Containers from the Nordic series, shown in the picture, are available in gray and black/anthracite.

For the Danish Wild Meadow seed mix, you should use sandy soil. If you plant during the spring or early summer, remember to water often. Otherwise, it's a good idea to sow your seeds in late summer. You can also easily create a mix of wildflower beds and herbs.