I live in an area of outstanding beauty in the Clwyd range in N Wales and I have a garden round about 200 feet long. Last year I let about 2/3 of my lawn grow wild and just mowed paths through it. I planted quite a few trees, most still very young, and have a number of sculptures within the long grass. It was very successful but when I came to get the grass cut down in August it was a nightmare. I am 78 and disabled and live alone. I had someone come in to initially strim it and then mow it (Which was very costly). Trying to get rid of all the mown grass involved lots of my neighbours making dozens of trips to the tip! I know that that will not be possible again.

This year I have done something similar, see photo.
It is currently very pretty with masses of buttercups. I put around 500 bulbs in last year and in March and April lots of daffodils and crocuses came up (And just one snakes head fritillary!) I am very pleased with it and find pheasants burying down in the grass and lots of other wildlife. (Could do without the badgers!) Masses of birds come including lots of goldfinches which is wonderful.

My problem is having to face cutting it down again in the late summer. There are a lot of clumps of very strong grass and also lots of dandelions and tall clumps of buttercups as well as lower ones. But there are also some lovely grasses of all colours and lots of wildflowers. Have you got any suggestions as to the best way to do this and indeed do I need to do it at all?

I love your garden! Would it be easier to cut everything after it became dormant and dried up? But, like you, I wonder whether you need to cut it at all. I am interested what others think.

Thank you for your reply Porkpal. I am glad you like my garden. As I am writing we have glorious sunshine here and all I can hear is birdsong and the trickle of a water feature that I have. It is idyllic. I shall be pleased to have advice from other gardeners about what to do with this long grass later this year.

I would think leaving it would offer the benefit of cover year round for the wildlife.

I have a walk behind brush mower that would clear the area.

A couple of years ago I converted my 30 acres of farm land (surrounds the house and my gardens) to the the USDA conservation reserve program. I planted a mixture of wildflowers and grasses. My practice is supposed to help pheasants and monarch butterflies. They recommend a mow or burn at a minimum of every 5 years.

My walk behind brush mower would be able to cut the field, but it would take days to mow 30 acres.

I really love your garden, Clwyd, I would let it be. I have a wild garden too. I cater to mainly butterflies and humming birds. We have pathways. We grow fruit trees and wild berries and of course we have a special place for vegetables and herbs. I make sure I plant enough for wild life to share.