Naturalizing

Several years ago we decided to gradually reduce the amount of turf grass in the yard and seed it into native plants as pollinator habitat. 

It takes several years for these plants to establish themselves; nevertheless the ‘upland’ location (where the ancient farmhouse foundation is buried) is putting-on its own fireworks display. A seasonally “squishy" section at the north edge of the yard that is doing really well too. I figure as summer progresses more species are going to continue to pop.

Last fall, I retired my big garden adjacent to the machine shed and it was seeded into natives. At the present it is looking quite raggedy and rough and is due to receive some spot treatment of weeds.

There remains a section along the side of the road that was sprayed Tuesday.  After it is thoroughly dead it will be tilled under and seeded this fall. If you don’t like seeing wildflowers along the side of the road you’re likely one of those Godless Communists I’m hearing so much about from certain of my acquaintances.

Bottom line; less turf = less maintenance. More flowers = more pollinators = happier birds.

In case you’re wondering about the dump trailer in the driveway you’ll have to wait.

Bee balm (wild bergamot)

Black-eyed Susans

False sunflower (Oxeye)

Feverfew (wild quinine)

 

Motherwort