Why Grow A Meadow?

Good Question, and Here's Why...

· Growing native prairie wildflowers gives a garden local identity.

· Cultivating many tiny prairie plots allows us to promote diversity and to preserve rare ecotypes that

straddle the fence of extinction.

· Prairie plants have historical significance and are a useful connection to the past.

· Prairie grasses provide unique foliage texture. Their linear foliage refracts light and sings as the wind

moves through.

· Prairies are adorned with colorful flowers through the growing season.

· Many prairie plants provide forage for wildlife. Birds feast on the plump fatty seeds of composites like

compass plant. Butterflies abound in the prairie, sipping nectar from their sun-loving food sources.

Dragonflies hunt using strategic aerial feats to hone in on prey.

· Most prairie plants are able to withstand extreme environmental conditions. Troublesome or unsightly

areas of the landscape with baking sun and heavy clay soils are often ideal sites on which to establish a

prairie. Prairie plantings can be used to reclaim wasteland in many cases.

· Prairie plants (especially the grasses) have tenacious root systems that hold soil, filter ground water

and prevent erosion.

· Prairie plants are tough and resilient once established. Within 3 to 5 years after sowing, most prairie

plots are almost self-sustaining. Once established they will produce flowers and valuable seed for many

years.