Future-Proofing: The benefits of multifunctional planting schemes

An increasingly common challenge facing landscape professionals is the need to introduce planting schemes that can cope with variable and extreme weather conditions. As a result, it is becoming increasingly important that planting schemes do more than just look attractive – they need to be multifunctional. Alongside creating visually impactful spaces for people to enjoy, planting schemes also need to contribute to climate resilience, reduce ongoing maintenance requirements and support biodiversity.

Contributing to climate resilience

In order to cope with the variable and extreme weather conditions we are facing, it is important that multifunctional planting schemes contain a rich diversity of species that provide considerable climate resilience. Pictorial Meadows Turf® comprises over 100 different species of wildflowers that have originated from a wide geographical area. Whilst many are UK natives, the diversity of species drawn from a broad geographical range gives the planting greater capacity to respond to increasingly variable climatic conditions, including hotter, drier summers and wetter winters.

More frequent periods of intense rainfall are increasing the need for flood-resilient urban landscapes, particularly where conventional drainage infrastructure is under pressure. Pictorial Meadows Turf® has been used as an integral part of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), as the planting helps slow, intercept and manage surface water close to where it falls, reducing pressure on conventional drainage infrastructure.

Reducing ongoing maintenance requirements

Alongside being climate resilient, multifunctional planting schemes should also reduce ongoing maintenance requirements. Mown grass and conventional ornamental flower displays are both resource-heavy, whereas Pictorial Meadows Turf® offers a high-value yet low-maintenance alternative. Delivering upwards of 150 flowering plants per square metre within a grass-free planting mix, the density of plants in Pictorial Meadows Turf® naturally helps to discourage weeds.

Once established, routine maintenance can typically be limited to weed monitoring and an annual cut-and-collect, substantially reducing maintenance inputs compared with conventional amenity grass or seasonal bedding.

Supporting biodiversity

Another important factor of multifunctional planting schemes is their ability to support biodiversity. Pictorial Meadows Turf® has an exceptionally high floral content as well as an extended and very varied flowering period. The diversity of flower forms and extended flowering period provides nectar and pollen resources for a wide range of pollinating insects. In addition, seed heads and vegetation provide valuable food and habitat for wildlife through autumn and winter.

Get in touch

Pictorial Meadows® is a leader in designing and delivering multifunctional naturalistic landscapes and wildflower meadow solutions, blending ecological research with horticultural expertise. If you would like to find out more about our products and services, please email info@pictorialmeadows.co.uk or call 0114 267 7635.