While a pictorial meadow may be a good source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, said Mann, it isn’t “a resilient eco-system” like a traditional meadow which includes perennial native wildflowers and meadow grass species. “Annual plants won’t supress weeds,” he explained. As a result, a pictorial meadow with cornflowers and poppies, for example, will need a lot of management. Some councils even treat these areas with Roundup, a weed killer banned in the EU, though not in the UK, said Mann.

Gardeners hoping to establish a wildflower patch in their gardens should be wary of fake meadow mixes and look for seeds native to the UK.  Mann believes packets of seeds should carry labels showing their origin to prevent gardeners unknowingly spreading non-native species.  A lot of seed packets are imported from Europe and some as far afield as China. Mann said: “You can’t tell from the packet. I think it’s scandalous there is no policing: the wildflower market is very unregulated by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). It’s a Wild West.”

Botanists are encouraging people to choose not just native wildflowers but also what grows naturally in their local area – on road verges, hedgerows and nature reserves. Traditional wildflower meadows have subtle regional differences. There are different species growing in Hampshire (large areas of chalk downland) and Kent (highly productive, fertile loam), for example, as they have adapted to local soils and conditions. Wildflower meadows are all unique. The problem with most wildflower seed mixes, even if they are UK origin, is they are often generic or one size fits all.

Somerset-based Habitat Aid sells seeds from small, specialist British growers and harvesters. Mann said: “We are really pushing using seeds from local donor meadow sites. Ultimately, it would be great if people could buy seeds sourced from down the road but in practical terms that isn’t do-able.”  The problem is lack of supply. Wildflower meadows are one of the rarest habitats in the UK. “Given that we have lost 97% of wildflower meadows since the 1930s, it's very difficult to find donor sites,” said Mann, adding: “The existing meadows aren’t very large. We harvest them in a sustainable way, so we can’t go back every year.”

In many cases, the most appropriate wildflower seed you can buy is species occurring naturally here and with UK origin. Additionally, look for seed mixes to suit your soil type, for example chalk and limestone or clay. Buy your seeds from a reputable source, such as Habitat Aid or British Wildflower Seeds . “We put together seed mixes and focus on species that are widespread across the UK,” said Mann. These include oxeye daisy, common knapweed and birdsfoot trefoil to name but a few.

In a few areas, encouragingly, Habitat Aid also sells “direct harvest” wildflower seeds from local donor meadows, for example in Berkshire and Wiltshire. Benefits include “a high floral content, completely native origin plants that have adapted to local conditions, so are super resistant and are excellent for wildlife,” said Mann. Seeds from meadow sites are “massively diverse,” he said, and might have 40 species compared to 15 species in a typical packet. And they have a higher percentage of wildflowers to grass.

Mann believes farmers are part of the solution. “We are encouraging farmers to grow wildflower seeds as part of an integrated farm management system because they can now get all kinds of grants for improving grassland. I am very bullish about that side of the market,” he said.  Another good source is green hay. The hay is strewn across a large area and wildflower seeds drop into the soil.

A good meadow should not just include wildflowers for pollinators but also native grasses and winter forage, said Mann. Grasses are an important habitat and food source for many species from bees, butterflies and moths to crickets, finches and skylarks. Nettles are the favourite foodplant of caterpillars, including Comma, Peacock and Red Admiral. These large, colourful butterflies lay their eggs on fresh new leaves.  “A lot of gardeners want something that is bright and floral and in your face which is a pictorial meadow,” said Mann.  Habitat Aid tries to educate people to take pleasure in creating sustainable, species-rich meadows that make a real contribution to nature.

Some brightly coloured flowers in gardens, including modern roses, are so overbred they don’t produce nectar or pollen anymore. That’s why it’s important to make your own mini meadow. An alternative to buying a wildflower seed mix is “No Mow May” or leaving your grass to grow long through late spring and summer. “See what pops up on your lawn, you may be pleasantly surprised,” said Mann. Species such as oxeye daisy, field scabious, red clover, knapweeds and even orchids might appear. Adding yellow rattle will “help things along,” said Mann. The semi-parasitic plant stunts dominant grasses giving wildflowers more space to flourish.

With thanks to Nick Mann, owner of Habitat Aid, for his help with this article.