Have you ever tried letting your lawn grow wild during May? Before worrying about what the neighbours might think, it’s worth knowing that No Mow May is a popular campaign that helps wildlife and gives gardeners a perfectly good excuse to leave the mower in the shed.

The campaign was started by the UK charity Plantlife and the idea is simple: stop mowing your lawn during the month of May and allow grasses and wildflowers to grow naturally.

We have a small field next to our garden that we used to mow regularly. Three years ago, we decided to stop mowing it to help support the bees we keep. Since then, the field has gradually become a natural habitat for all sorts of creatures. Small animals have moved in, and we often see badgers and deer passing through. Our fruit trees are producing far more fruit, which we suspect is thanks to the increase in pollinators. The deer, meanwhile, seem convinced the low hanging fruit tree branches exist purely for their benefit!

Letting grass grow longer isn’t just good for wildlife, it can also benefit the soil and overall health of your lawn. Allowing grass to grow longer acts like a natural mulch, helping the soil retain moisture and stay cooler in warmer weather. Over time, this can improve soil health and support stronger, more resilient growth. Sometimes the best thing a garden needs is simply to be left alone for a while.

There are clear benefits, including giving insects like beetles and worms a better habitat. These insects help the wider ecosystem and provide food for birds such as starlings. And of course, one obvious advantage is taking a break from regular mowing.

That said, longer grass can sometimes provide cover for ticks, so it’s worth staying mindful. When it’s time to start mowing again, avoid cutting it back too hard all at once. Begin with a higher setting and gradually lower the blades over a couple of weeks. This helps prevent stress on the lawn and allows it to recover more smoothly.

Biodiverse-supporting alternatives to grass

Some gardeners go a step further and replace parts of their lawn with alternative plants that require less maintenance while supporting biodiversity. Clover is a popular choice because it needs little fertiliser and minimal mowing, while its flowers provide nectar for pollinators.

Creeping thyme is one of my favourites. It forms a low, fragrant carpet of foliage and produces colourful flowers loved by bees. One attractive variety is Thymus serpyllum ‘Coccineus’, which produces red to pink flowers from late spring through summer.

A popular grass alternative is Chamaemelum nobile ‘Treneague’, a popular alternative to grass. It is a low growing non-flowering variety. Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) is a darker green dwarf variety, with daisy-like flowers, suitable for chalkier soils. Both thrive in full sun and require regular watering during establishment. The Roman variety will benefit from light foot traffic, which encourages lateral growth and releases its aromatic scent.

Succulent plants such as Sedum anglicum also work well in sunny areas with little foot traffic. These drought-tolerant plants provide nectar for pollinators and require very little maintenance.

For areas that experience more regular use, Achillea millefolium can be a practical choice. It forms a low mat of feathery foliage that resembles grass and tolerates mowing, while its summer flowers attract butterflies, hoverflies and bees.

Whether you try No Mow May for a single month or simply allow parts of your garden to grow more freely, even small changes can have a big impact. By giving nature a little more space, your garden can become far more than just a patch of grass..

Jobs in May in the garden

The days are getting warmer and longer. Summer is on its way and it’s time to tidy up spring plants and plant out summer flowers.

 ‘Harden off’ tender vegetables and bedding plants like geranium by putting them outside during the day and bringing them in overnight.

 Earth up potatoes weekly – this supports the stems, excludes light from tubers and encourages spuds to form.

 Open greenhouse vents on warm days but close them at night.

 Divide water plants.

 Clip evergreen hedges.

 Prune herbaceous plants that retained their top growth in winter, such as penstemons and fuchsias.

 Tie in sweet peas to encourage them to climb.

 Inspect plants for pests and diseases.

 Protect strawberries with straw.

 Erect garden netting around soft fruit plants to prevent birds eating your crop.

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