Hi!

What a beautiful meadow you've created! Meadows take up to 5 years to fully establish. Here is the basic maintenance guidance from Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

Once everything has been planted, maintenance is relatively low. In the first year, when plants reach 12-18 inches in height, mow them down to 6 inches. Do not mow less than 6 inches as this can encourage weed growth. Most native plants will have extensive root systems by their first year, so mowing them will not damage them.

In the second year, cut back plants to about one foot high since plants will be larger. This can be achieved using a string trimmer for smaller areas. Don’t use herbicides!

In the third year, burn the field (if possible). If burning is not possible, then mow the field close to the ground in late Fall or early Spring. Be sure to remove debris to allow plants to grow. Fall is usually the best time for this maintenance as many animals nest in meadows in the spring.

However, a more detailed guide can be found here by Xerces society: https://xerces.org/sites/default/files/publications/19-052_MidAtlantic_Meadow_guidelines_web.pdf

In order to preserve some habitat for the wildlife using the meadow, you can mow half of the meadow per year and alternate years, which will allow wildlife to have 50% of their habitat at any given time. 

Jamie