Why would I want a prairie in my yard?

• Besides being beautiful, prairie flowers and grasses reduce the need for mowing, watering, pruning, and spraying pesticides or herbicides

• Incredibly long root systems clean the water and reduce the chance of erosion and flooding

• Prairie plants help rebuild topsoil and sequester carbon, and since they are native to the area, can withstand changes in the climate better than nonnative plants

• The animals here, from bees and butterflies to foxes and coyotes, rely on native plants for food and shelter. Any area converted from sod is a major economic benefit!

• Flowers also provide a variety of colors from spring through fall, and the grasses and seedheads provide interest in the winter
  

How much does this cost?

Pricing depends on the method to kill the sod (see below), the size of the area being worked, and the seed mix.

Installation and first-year establishment for a 10x10 square foot patch start at $390.00. Contact me for a site visit and a detailed quote.

How do you kill the grass?

There are a few different options, depending on personal preference, HOA laws, and the amount of sun the area receives. The most affordable option is to use cardboard. This allows the microbes in the soil to thrive, yet is effective at killing the sod in a few months. This option takes the longest time, but may not be allowed according to neighborhood/HOA rules.

The second option is similar and uses thick black plastic and/or tarps to kill the sod. This does kill microbes in the soil, but is just as effective as cardboard and can take less time if timed with a summer sun.

The third option is the fastest, and most expensive, using glyphosate (not Roundup) to kill the grass.

Can I choose my flowers and grasses?

Absolutely. The seed mix will be chosen based on personal color and flower preference, as well as soil, water, and light considerations. Marie will make recommendations, but the ultimate choice of what to plant is yours.

Where do you source your seeds?

Marie uses a mixture of seeds sourced from sustainable harvests in local prairies, including those growing in her own backyard. For larger projects, seed mixes will be purchased through local native-plant nurseries in Southern Wisconsin.

How small of an area can I convert? Is my area too large?

No area is too small! For smaller areas, a micro-prairie can be established even more quickly using bare root or plant seedlings rather than straight seeds. Marie works with Tend Native Plants to source pesticide-free, native plants grown here in Southern Wisconsin.

Larger areas (more than a half-acre) will take longer to establish and may be outside of Marie’s capabilities. It will depend on the location, budget, and how fully booked out she is.

How long does this take?

Prairies require patience! The spring after planting can expect some growth, but it takes at least three years for the space to look like a prairie out of a magazine. Some plants can take even longer, providing happy surprises years after planting!

Can I set up a consult?

Consults are always free. Marie would love to see your space and talk about options!

Click the button below for a site visit and consultation.