RE: something to ponder for me
- To:
- Subject: RE: something to ponder for me
- From: M* D*
- Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 18:48:20 -0800
- Importance: Normal
Pat, I don't live in prairie country and suffer from the same clay soil as
you describe - wonderful when a ton of compost is added:). The thing that
has impressed me about the prairie land I have seen is 1) how deep the
topsoil is from centuries of composted prairie grasses and 2) how nutritious
the soil is for the same reason as #1. So even though "meadow in a can"
makes it sound so easy, "just sprinkle seeds, water and stand back" - on
your soil and mine - NO WAY. So why not start the process to the kind of
soil a prairie will need? Turn your grass sod over and compost it on the
site. Till it in next spring as deep as you can and you will be a giant
step closer to doing what you would like to do. It sounds like a very fun
project. Enjoy, enjoy.
Marilyn Dube'
Natural Design Plants
Hardy Perennials, Choice Tropicals
Portland, OR Zone 8b
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-perennials@mallorn.com [owner-perennials@mallorn.com] On
Behalf Of Pat
Sent: Friday, November 12, 1999 3:23 PM
To: Perennials list
Subject: something to ponder for me
Since I can't grow anything right now (despite 70 degree temps in Nov in
Zone 5), and I don't have money yet to order for next year, I'm planning
a garden in my head and need advice.
I have an area of my yard I would like to turn into sort of a *tamed
prairie*. It's full sun, out of range of the hose (although I could
carry a bit of water if necessary), and all grass (lawn) at this time.
I have horrendous clay soil -when amended is nice, but left as is, is
atrocious. How do I start my prairie? I have the plants picked out,
natives and such, but I'd like to know if I need to till up the grass,
remove it all together, or can I sprinkle seed over the grass and let
the growing plants shade it out . . . .what does anyone suggest?
I'm open to any and all suggestions - since I have all winter to plot
and plan.
Thanks in advance.
--
Pat Mitchell
pattm@execpc.com
-----
Everyday is a gift. Tomorrow is not a guarantee.
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