In conversation with Georgia Gilbert and Frank Webster
Grasslands Turf’s Frank Webster, and Georgia Gilbert from John Chambers Wildflower Seed (part of landscape supplier Green-tech) discuss the two’s new Floral Lawn® Turf collaboration.
Floral Lawn® Turf is a new product to market. What inspired its development, and how did the collaboration come together?
Frank Webster
Frank Webster: The idea came from conversations with landscape contractors looking for something different — a more natural, flower-rich alternative to traditional turf. I had been experimenting with my own lawn at home and noticed how much wildlife it attracted. Around the same time, we had seen growing interest in more relaxed lawn styles, and it became clear there was a real demand for a pre-grown solution that combined visual appeal with biodiversity benefits.
I noted John Chambers Wildflower Seed’s work for Bridgeman & Bridgeman, creating a bespoke mix for a BNG-compliant green roof project. I reached out after reading about it in Pro Landscaper, and that’s where the collaboration began. We have worked together for over a year, during which time we have trialled and refined a robust, low-growing, native-rich seed mix that could handle regular cutting and moderate footfall.
Georgia Gilbert: It was a collaborative process. At John Chambers Wildflower Seed, we always support innovation that encourages biodiversity, especially when grounded in practical application. Webster had a clear brief, and our team worked closely with Grasslands to make sure the species chosen were not only native and nectar-rich but could also thrive in a turf environment.
Bringing this product to life through Grasslands’ turf-growing expertise, using John Chambers’ native seed mixes, and supported by Green-tech’s national reach, felt like a natural evolution, offering customers a high-quality, sustainable, and ready-to-lay solution that complements both our existing seed lines and wider customer needs.
How did you go about developing the mix?
GG: We started with a shortlist of eight native species that met the brief for low height, resilience, and visual impact. But as Webster observed what was thriving in his own lawn, we realised we could go further. The mix grew to 13 carefully selected species — all native and all capable of creating a flowering turf that performs in a lawn setting.
FW: It took over a year to refine and test. One of the biggest challenges was the seasonal availability of certain native seeds, but we worked closely together to create a robust, high-quality mix. The final result is a sustainable, plastic-free turf with genuine visual and ecological value.
What are the benefits of Floral Lawn® Turf?
FW: It is visually striking and incredibly practical. You get seasonal colour, pollinator value, and considerably less maintenance than conventional lawns. We would recommend mowing every 3-4 weeks rather than the typical weekly mow at the height of the growing season. The mix includes species such as, self-heal, clover, birds-foot trefoil, daisies, and buttercups — all of which bring charm and life to a garden or public space. Floral Lawn® Turf is a natural fit for “No Mow May” and supports a more wildlife-friendly approach to landscaping.
GG: It is also fully recyclable and proudly plastic-free. Unlike some flowering turf products, no plastic mesh is used in production. That aligns with both of our companies’ commitments to reducing plastic use in landscaping products.
What kind of maintenance does Floral Lawn® Turf require?
FW: It can be as much or as little as you want. If you want to let the flowers bloom taller, cut them every 3-4 weeks. Cuts every 2 weeks will create a more robust lawn, with shorter flowering occurring. Leaving the area longer in June and July typically offers more flowering than in May, although ‘No Mow May’ is key for early nectar availability. It is vital to avoid over-mowing. You want to let the flowers bloom, so every 3–4 weeks is perfect. A high cut is better, and it thrives in standard soil. You are not aiming for a manicured green carpet — this is a softer, more natural look that celebrates biodiversity and seasonal interest.
How has Monty Don’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden influenced interest in flowering lawns?
Georgia Gilbert
GG: It is fantastic to see flowering lawns getting this kind of visibility. Monty Don, along with others, frequently champion creating space for wildlife, and flowering lawns are a great way to achieve this. His “shaggy lawn” at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show highlights the planting we have been developing — low-growing, resilient, flower-rich turf that works in real gardens.
FW: The timing has been helpful in terms of awareness. We have been developing Floral Lawn® Turf for some time, but Monty’s influence will hopefully encourage more homeowners and designers to embrace this style of lawn. For us, it’s not about being trendy but about creating spaces that are both beautiful and beneficial.
What’s the long-term vision for Floral Lawn® Turf?
FW: We see it becoming a mainstream choice for domestic and commercial spaces. There’s a definite shift in mindset – people want lawns that support biodiversity and look good without needing weekly mowing or chemical inputs. Floral Lawn® Turf offers a balance between aesthetic appeal and ecological function.
GG: It is about redefining what a ‘good’ lawn looks like. One that is alive with colour, pollinators, low maintenance, and good for the planet. We believe Floral Lawn® Turf is very much a product for the future.
Are there other collaborations in the pipeline?
GG: We’re currently working together on a species-rich turf that includes a wider range of native grasses alongside wildflowers. It is more complex to produce, particularly given the shortage of certified native grass seed, but we are committed to pushing it forward—especially given the growing need for BNG compliant solutions.
For more information visit green-tech.co.uk OR grasslands-turf.co.uk.