Plant A Meadow Garden With Wild Flowers

Do you love to walk outside in your backyard and enjoy the beauty of colorful flowers? Do you delight in the sound of chirping birds and the sight of the delicate wings of butterflies? Do you want to plant flowers that will come back yearly and multiply? Are you in a desert-like area where water conservation is a concern?

Starting a meadow garden takes patience and dedication. But once you have taken the time to do what is necessary, you can have years of enjoyment with little maintenance. Wild flowers are hearty, with the ability to drop seedlings into your nourished soil that will spread in your flower beds each Spring. Picking plants or seedlings that will blend into a magical canvas of color does not require a landscaping degree. Use your creativity-there are no set rules.

Preparing the soil, watering, weeding, and thinning out undesired flowers are all important in the beginning stages. The important thing is to start small and work the soil. You want to mix plants that co-exist well. American wild flowers, naturalized exotics (daisies are in this category) and other flowers that self-seed or need minimum maintenance are good examples. Plant species you love, but concentrate on native varieties. Once established, they need little watering or fertilizing.

Below are some tips for creating a successful meadow garden:

1. Select an area-not too big at first that gets at least a half day of full sun. Prepare the soil by plowing or tilling.

2. Get rid of the weeds. If necessary, spray with herbicide.

3. Wait three weeks after spraying with herbicide, then rake the area. Pick out all weeds and roots and smooth out the seed bed.

4. Whether you plant seedlings or scatter seeds, choose species that fit the scale of your garden.
A small garden looks best planted with little flowers that don't spread too rapidly-dwarf iris and native lilies. Select species with different bloom times: some that flower in spring (columbine), others that come into bloom in summer (daisies and phlox), and still others that will last right through fall (aster and coneflowers).

5. When planting seeds, it is important to spread them evenly.

6. Tamp down the seeds by gently walking over the area.

7. It is important to mulch the area after seeding. Sawdust or weed-free straw are good options.. Be careful not to mulch too heavily or the tender seedlings will have difficulty sprouting.

8. Water seedlings regularly with a soft spray. Seedlings need moisture to sprout.

9. Keep the area free from weeds that can choke out the young seedlings. If you take the time to keep weeds out of your flower garden at first, it will pay off later.

10. Mow your meadow in late fall or early winter to open the area to light and air. This helps prevent weed problems and sets the scene for another year of meadow gardening.

Butterflies and birds will be drawn to your flower garden. Placing a bird bath in the center of your garden will be an added attraction. Other fun items for your meadow garden might be a comfortable bench or a decorative table and chairs. Quiet lunches or afternoon summer reading could be enjoyed amongst your meadow of flowers.

Whether it is a bed of bright yellow daisies and orange poppies, or pink evening primrose and Texas bluebonnets, months of enjoyment will be your reward. Your family and friends will find peace and pleasure walking into your world of nature's beauty.