Their dense root systems help squeeze out weeds, making the prairie truly low-maintenance. Grasses also help hold the flowers upright, 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. Perennial flowers and grasses are slow to grow from seed, and typically do not bloom until the third year. With care, transplants often bloom the first year, giving you an instant prairie garden.
Transplants do best when installed in spring or early fall.
Early spring flowers often do better when transplanted in autumn. Transplants should be spaced approximately one foot apart. Mulching with three to four inches of clean straw helps keep weeds down. One weeding may be required the first growing season. Once established, little if any further weeding should be necessary.