Preparing a garden site -Reply

The best system I have found is this:  A layer of
compost or uncomposted yard debris, a layer of
cardboard (flattened boxes work great) and a
layer of compost or uncomposted yard debris. 
The composted or uncomposted part depends
on how long you want to wait.  I try to do this
in the fall and here in Oregon it's ready to
plant by spring.  Works really well for
grass/weeds organically and thoroughly.  If you
did this in the spring you may need to keep it
moist, depending on where you live.  The
cardboard breaks down naturally.  I have tried
the newspaper and like this MUCH better.

>>> Andee Miller <andee@execpc.com>
04/17/98 01:34pm >>>
Hi! I'm new to the group and excited to be here.
 I have, of course, a
question. 

I'm working with a large area (116'x 15') that
has 12 shrubs (mix of
Dogwoods, Forsythia, and Viburnum and two
Japanese Lilac trees.  There
is grass underneath but last year it was not
mowed, so it got tall. 
This year I'm going to plant flowering prairie
plants and grasses in the
area.

Here's my question, must I get rid of the grass
(ordinary turf) or can I
just plug the perennials into holes and let the
grass grow up around
them? Sort of like a real prairie. Deep in my
heart I know I should
remove the grass since it's turf and
weeds...what's the best way?  I
can't use Round Up because of the shrubs.  And
besides, I avoid that
kind of thing unless ABSOLUTELY necessary.
I've heard people talk about
covering the area with 8-10 sheets of newspaper
and letting it sit for
weeks.  I've also seen black plastic used in the
same way.  I've never
done this myself, what's the best thing to use?
How long do I keep it
down? How can I avoid harming the shrubs &
trees?  What will happen if I
just let the grass stay?

Can you tell I want the easiest & quickest
NATURAL method possible? Any
advise would be appreciated.

Andee
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