Year one of a new meadow confuses everyone, because it looks like nothing is happening. Here's what's actually going on under the green.

It's building roots

Most of a first-year meadow is underground. The perennials are laying roots down, not flowers up. A meadow that looks "thin" in august is often the one that's doing best.

The annuals do the show

Poppies and cornflower flower from seed in the first season, which is why they're in every mix. They're the opening act — flashy, fast, and gone by the time the perennials take the stage in year two and three.

Resist the mow

The single biggest first-year mistake is cutting too early. Let it stand until the seed has set, cut once, rake it off, and let the seed fall. That's the whole management plan.