Wildflower Prairie Restoration
If you are contemplating prairie restoration, then the one most important thing to be aware of is "IT TAKES TIME". The second most important thing to be aware of is "IT ISN'T EASY".
But first let me begin by saying that these are my opinions based upon my experiences. I bought my first 30 acre parcel of land (corn field and wooded hillside) back in the late 70's. Being a strong environmentalist I wanted to restore the cornfield to native prairie and grasses. After very little research, I woke up to another major awareness of wildflower prairie restoration "THE COST OF THE WILDFLOWER SEED IS EXPENSIVE". The cost of the seed would be more than the cost of the land. I wanted to restore many acres. I was quite naive in the beginning. I spent much money buying all types of wildflowers that I wanted to grow. Unfortunately only a few wanted to grow in my soil conditions. From that experience, I began looking at what wildflowers were in my area, my soil type. Essentially, if one wants to restore several acres or more back to wildflower prairie the only economically practical way is to start slowly. Plant about one ounce of seeds of as many different types of wildflowers as you can afford that you believe will grow in your soil conditions. Do not mix the seeds together before planting. Plant each ounce of seeds in two separate areas. Two separate areas because the soil conditions often seem to vary significantly within close proximity even though the soil may look identical in both locations. Plant each ounce of seeds in their own areas by themselves. This will aid in identification and seed collection. I also suggest that you plant the seeds pretty thick. there is going to be a lot of competition from weeds. I'm assuming you have prepared the soil before planting. Now the hard part. Wait three years while all kinds of plants grow that you never planted or cannot recognize. Then finally some wildflowers begin to bloom and you can enjoy your tiny patch of wildflowers all summer. However, in September collect seeds. This "tiny patch" of wildflowers is going to be your breeders of seeds for several years. You can probably collect a pound of seed from each successfully grown wildflower patch per year. Prepare more soil (maybe an acre), plant your newly collected seeds in patches again and wait three more years. You can see the process. You will be planting for many years. The process never seems to end, there are always new plants to discover.
Another wildflower awareness that I have painfully learned over time is "ONE MAN'S TREASURE IS ANOTHER MAN'S JUNK". By this I am referring to wildflower mixes. Sometimes what is a beautiful wildflower for one person can become very invasive for another person depending on soil conditions and/or location. Wildflower mixes may be cheaper but may not be the best solution for long range prairie restoration. Certainly their plantings are not conducive for collecting future seeds.
I also need to speak some about your biggest enemy "INVASIVE SPECIES". Ultimately, I believe your goal should be diversity of species. That's why a prairie is always green every year. Different species excel different years depending upon weather conditions that year. However, invasive species hinder the process of diversity. Invasive species become less of a problem as your wildflower prairie becomes established. When calling a plant "invasive", one must keep in mind the region, soil conditions, climate, etc. I allow to grow several plants that are consider invasive in other portions of the country, but these plants barely survive here in Minnesota. They provide diversity.
Oh, yes, that 's another very important thing to be aware of regarding restoring wildflower prairies, "BUY SEED FROM A LOCAL SOURCE". There are endless variations of each wildflower species. You want plants that are hardy and adapted to your area.
Another decision that you will want to make about your wildflower prairie is "NATIVE AND/OR INTRODUCED SPECIES". I think this depends upon how much of a purest you are. Many introduced wildflower species have been here in North America for several hundred years and have naturalized all over the country. Personally, I prefer native species whenever possible. However, in order to gain diversity, I have been known to compromise my beliefs.
A wildflower prairie can be admired from a distance, but much more can be experienced up close (touching soft leaves, listening to birds attracting mates as they nest in the grasses, detecting the faint aromas of blooming flowers, watching insects forage and survive, and much more.). Hence, I suggest that throughout your wildflower prairie you "MAKE WALKING TRAILS". People and wildlife prefer walking trails. Furthermore it keeps people from walking where you do not want them to walk. Also, do not make the trails straight. They are not designed to get somewhere fast but rather designed for strolling leisurely down winding trails. Structures along the trail periodically add much (eg; a bird house, a brush pile, a grouping of stones, or an old log). It's also important to make the trails wide enough for two people to walk next to each other.
If still interested in wildflower prairie restoration after reading this then check out how to get some Free Wildflower Seed.
written by: Richard G. Rickert
