Stonecrop Design

Any little pocket of prairie grasses and flowers is a welcome sight and a big help to pollinators and birds. Imagine how we could transform our suburban landscapes from the monoculture of Kentucky Bluegrass into something that truly supports nature. Native plantings don't have to look unruly. *Note: the only thing in this article we take issue with is the suggestion that herbicide is an option to prepare a planting site. There is no such thing as a non persistent Glyphosate (RoundUp). We know that now, and highly recommend not using it.

Micro prairies: No yard is too small to go with earth-friendly native plants Urban micro prairies attract native insects and pollinators, including butterflies and bumblebees. Fortunately, native plants are readily available.

I've enjoyed evaluating some great Minneapolis gardens for Metro Blooms garden awards for a few years, and want to share this year's winner of the Best Prairie garden. It's in the Bryn-Mawr neighborhood, close to downtown, and I had the pleasure of interviewing Barb, the owner.

She believes that landscaping is just as important as the home, and their house was built with that in mind. She planted prairie in the entire front yard using plugs planted right into 3-4 inches of compost. She used a lot of Rudbeckia for color because it would blossom in the first year, hoping the neighbors would react positively. They have indeed reacted very positively. "I see the impact that a new house can have. With the landscape that we've done, we've improved the look and the experience for everybody in the neighborhood." She loves how it invites people passing by to stop and take a look. "People often come to look at the chickens with their kids. I feel like we've given something back, instead of taking up space." Through careful observation, planning and design, she and husband Hans keep about 90% of their rainwater on site. This is done with rain gardens, swales, rain barrels, and the prairie, with its native grasses and plants that have very deep roots to soak up water. She only had to water it once or twice the first year.

Check out this list of pollinator-friendly plants from the Xerxes Society. Easily printable to bring with on your next trip to the nursery.

www.xerces.org