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Re: SEEDING FORBS INTO ESTABLISHED GRASSLAND

Brooks Bradley wrote:
> 
> I have read the numerous postings regarding planting forbs in existing,
> established climax grasslands-----with considerable interest and some
> puzzlement.  The reason being that no one seems to have information  the
> querents can employ with any great degree of reliability.  Although
> there are a myriad of contravening circumstances that CAN  apply to any
> program, there are some proven, established techniques that are
> successful in a majority of circumstances.....that provide for a high
> measure of success for persons seeding directly into established
> grassland.  My associates, and I, have engaged in tall grass prairie
> restoration for the past 25 years.  We are a NON-PROFIT, charitable
> research group.  Following is a technique we have found to be highly
> successful for seeding forbs of all classes, into established
> grasslands. Perform this activity during the dormant COLD SEASON.   Skin
> the surface of the grassland down to the BARE EARTH in a contiguous
> block of ground (limited by the amount of your seed mix).  Disturb this
> area to a depth of no greater than 1".  Plant seed no deeper than 1";
> cover and compact soil well.  If your seed is viable, you should get an
> acceptable stand.  DO NOT WORRY  about the forbs competing with the
> grasses.  The majority of our climax forbs are HIGHLY  shade tolerant as
> juveniles.  They are, mostly, slow- growers early in their life cycle.
> The majority of the climax flowers bloom BEFORE  the warm season grasses
> enter their high-growth stage, and ARE NOT  direct competitors during
> their  critical stages.  The majority of failures, WE HAVE FOUND, result
> from planting seed stock that is either, not true wild stock, or
> originates from areas too far removed in latitude----from the place they
> are being planted.   Many people do not observe the growth cycles
> completely.  Many climax grasslands are totally covered with wildflowers
> and other forbs----early in the growing season, and later the SAME
> above- ground area is covered with the dominant climax grasses.  There
> ARE many contravening conditions, but we work with the middle of the
> Bell Curve.  These comments are not pontifications, but  they ARE  born
> of  repeated experience.....not speculation.  We hope they will be
> useful in your restoration  considerations.
> I know what forbs are but where does the name come from? Sorry to
ask stupid questions.
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