Re: Soon-to be Prairie

Pat wrote:

>>...Guess I'm going to have to till my lawn area in the spring (what a
shame, not).<<

Pat:  Why wait until spring?  Since you are planning ahead, you have a 
wonderful opportunity to get started right now.  This method works like a 
charm, builds good soil, recycles materials that are at hand, doesn't cost 
anything, and saves labor.  

You can lay several layers of newspapers over the proposed planting area and 
then pile fallen leaves and garden clippings over the newspapers.  Over the 
winter these materials will break down and by spring you should have soil 
ready for planting without having to till.  If you do till anyway, the job 
will be much easier.

This method was discussed at length on this list several months ago.  
If you missed it, you can check the archives for details, but it really is 
quite simple.  I've been using it for several years and have been very 
pleased with the results.  

>>  In the corner that I want to plant, I currently have a
tree that will be taken down, so having that stump ground <<

You don't have to have the stump ground.  Consider leaving several  feet of 
stump and putting a bird bath or feeder or garden ornament on it.  This can 
be quite effective.  

>>...is there anyway I can delineated my prairie from the lawn and other 
gardens gracefully? One side of this area will face the street.  I'm thinking 
a rustic partial fence, or shrubs,  or some such thing . . . Any interesting 
ideas?<<

Rustic split-rail fences make a great backdrop for prairie plantings. Maybe 
you could build the fence from the branches of the tree you are taking down.  
You might even plant some wild roses on the fence.  My favorite rose is Rosa 
setigera, called the Prairie Rose.  If that isn't native to Wisconsin, I'm 
sure there are some roses that are.  

Good luck with your prairie planting!  Do keep us posted on your progress.  
:Janis

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