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  • Peewit
  • 19 Mar 2023 6:39 AM
  • Replies 2 replies
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Cowslips growing in the middle of my back lawn

For the past couple of years, we have had a couple of healthy looking Cowslips growing amongst the grass in the middle of our back lawn.  They have multiplied themselves, and I  understand that they are now a rare plant, and do not want to touch them.

Is there a way we could remove them without damaging them in any way.  My OH dedicates all of his time avoiding them while he mows the lawn area because we want be sure they are not killed off by the mower blades

We thought about placing the 3 we have got now in a large pot so they growing in a safe environment.

They self seed and that is what we are aware of now and will have to think of how we can protect them in the best way we can

Any hints or tips would be greatly appreciated 

Regards

Kathy and Dave

  • ItisaRobbo
    Cowslips are still numerous in and around this area, though I know they've declined elsewhere.

    Two points/issues.
    1) Are you referring to wild cowslips or cultivars/hybrids in your lawn? (quite probably the former, but people have for decades been able to buy seeds of red ones for example, which may have spread in nearby gardens).
    2) Isn't moving them increasing risk of loss?

    From memory, you're renting, and you have been there a few years. Sounds like they're doing fine where they are. Moving settled/established plants into pots risks exposing them to new, less suitable conditions. e.g. pots in strong sunlight or overheating in Summer, drying out in Summer or waterlogging etc etc.

    I have moved a small number of plants from one area of lawn to another, incl yesterday! So, that is what I'd suggest if they really are risking being mowed. As above though, sounds like they might not need moving.

    Cowslips here have self sown and established in the cement/minimal soil between patio stones.
  • Peewit

    In reply to ItisaRobbo:

    I am sure these are wild Cowslips, and the seedlings have come in from the field over our back wall area, along with a stray Ragwort here and there.

    Yes we are renting so we know that it is not a plant that the landlord have planted, and it has come in of its own accord so we have no worries there

    Yes, I think that you are right about moving Cowslips increasing the risk in damaging them, if we move them into a self supporting pot.
    Dave said he does not mind mowing around them as long as he remembers that they are there in the first.place.

    Like you say if they have grown into patio areas, it shows how resilent they are.

    I think I will.leave them as is thinking about it now, and enjoy seeing what insects land on them.

    Regards

    Kathy and Dave