Pictorial Meadows® products are frequently used to transform gardens into vibrant, meadow-filled spaces buzzing with life. In the case study below, Gary and Michelle explain how they achieved this in their front garden using Pictorial Meadows Turf®.
1. What was the aim of the project?
The two areas at the front of our house were badly overgrown and we needed to do something about it. We ideally wanted something low maintenance that would encourage wildlife and really liked the idea of having wildflower meadows in the areas at the front. We had tried sowing seeds in our back garden but found that weeds quickly took hold, so we decided to look for an alternative option and wildflower turf seemed a good choice.
2. Why did you choose Pictorial Meadows®?
We started doing some research online and it quickly became apparent that installing wildflower turf was going to be quite expensive, so we wanted to get it right. We found companies that appeared to have what we were looking for and contacted them for advice and quotes and to also get a feel for their organisation. By this time, Pictorial Meadows® had already stood out to us as its ethics fitted with ours. Also, the website was very comprehensive, and the downloadable brochure was brilliant. Alongside this, the customer service has been exemplary.
3. Which Pictorial Meadows Turf® did you choose and why?
After speaking to very knowledgeable staff who took time to find out where the turf was going, how shaded the area is and even what the weather is generally like throughout the year, we decided to go with Purple Haze. Because the area at the front of our house is in shade most of the morning but then in full sun, along with regular long hot dry spells from spring through to autumn, it was recommended we use Purple Haze. This was backed up by statements that it would be the best option taking the morning shade and drought tolerance into consideration.
4. Where/how was Pictorial Meadows Turf® used in the garden?
We installed the turf across the whole of our front garden, which is split into two sections as we have paved steps to the front door. Once established, it created quite a striking look at the front for everyone who visits or comes into our small close.
5. What were the results/feedback?
The results have exceeded our expectations with a display of purples, blues, pinks and whites from spring through to autumn. The ground was extensively prepared prior to the turf being delivered, as it made sense to do it properly with quite an outlay.
The turf was laid in May 2025, which pretty much coincided with a heatwave for several weeks. We knew we had to water the turf initially until it was established, but due to extremely long hot days with no rain, we were advised to keep watering – this ended up continuing well into August. We used a sprinkler on either side and gave each section 10–15 minutes every morning and evening.
The turf came in square metre blocks, so it was like tiling a floor. Initially it was a bit concerning as the turf comes cut short and didn’t look much different to the weeded area it was replacing, but we needn’t have worried. Within a couple of weeks, it was greening up and by week six, there was already plenty of colour. By August, we had a lot of dry parched cover, so we were advised to do an early cut and soon we had a second display.
2026 was the first full year and by mid-March, things were already springing into life. Temperatures this year have been ridiculous where we live, with weeks of 30°+ heat and no rainfall. Despite this, we’ve had no issues with the turf, so we can definitely say it’s drought tolerant.
The other outcome we wanted to achieve was to encourage wildlife and it’s certainly done that. Bees and butterflies love it, and no doubt the dense cover must be a haven for other insects which in turn has brought several species of birds. We’ve also had moths that we’ve never seen before like hummingbird hawk moths and tiger moths.
We have regularly asked staff at Pictorial Meadows® for advice and guidance, and this has been invaluable. Everyone we have contacted has always been happy to help. The after-sales service has been exceptional, and we can’t thank Pictorial Meadows® enough.
