In the Scottish Highlands, where the weather can be unpredictable, annual wildflower meadows are proving their strength. At one of the UK’s most northerly royal residences, Pictorial Meadows have taken root, bringing colour and biodiversity to a challenging landscape.
Kirsty Wilson, Head of Gardens at Balmoral and Birkhall, wanted to bring temporary floral displays to the estate while planning for long-term herbaceous planting. Having seen the success of Pictorial Meadows’ ‘Classic’ annual seed mix at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, she was keen to try it in the Highlands. However, with frosts possible even in June and August, there was uncertainty about how well the annual wildflower meadows would perform.
Despite the climate concerns, both the ‘Classic’ and ‘Pastel’ annual seed mixes were sown across large areas of the planting borders. The goal was to create a vibrant display for summer while also assessing soil conditions before planting perennials. The cold, wet spring made for a slow start, but by mid-summer, the annual wildflower meadows were in full bloom, creating a striking visual impact. Visitors, guests and pollinators all enjoyed the wildflowers, proving that even in one of the UK’s coldest gardens, these annual meadows could thrive.
The success of this project highlights how Pictorial Meadows annual seed mixes can adapt to different environments. Whether in a historic estate, a public park or a private garden, these annual wildflower meadows offer both beauty and ecological benefits. Their ability to flourish in northern Scotland shows that, with the right approach, these annual wildflower meadows can succeed in even the toughest conditions.
