The asters are dry and non-ornamental, the sedges will soon start their growth cycle, and the other herbaceous perennials will join them – so this was the time to cut everything back.
The clippings are left in place to break down, keeping nutrients in the meadow so we don’t need to add fertilizer.
The perennials and gasses should rocket back, since they’re no longer shaded by last year’s growth. The asters will get a height-limiting trim at the beginning of summer, but the rest of the meadow is good for another year.