Site preparation is the single most important factor for success with wildflower plantings. Uncontrolled, weeds will compete for light and nutrients, slowing the growth of your flowers and grasses. Before planting be sure to follow the Site Preparation Procedures . We generally recommend including native grasses in your meadow. Their dense root systems help squeeze out the weeds, making the prairie meadow truly low maintenance.
Grasses also support the wildflowers, and provide cover and seeds for birds.
The grasses' warm autumn colors of gold, orange, and bronze extend the meadow's interest well into winter. Seed the Wildflower Selection Guide-Grasses for more information. The North American Prairie evolved under the influence of fire. Started by lightning or by Native Americans, these fires kept out trees, recycled nutrients into the soil, and stimulated growth of the wildflowers and grasses. Controlled burning on a two to five year rotation remains the best method for managing prairie plantings.