Make your yard stunning and sustainable with these expert tips on meadowscaping some or all of your lawn.
Plus, once established, they are low-maintenance and require less labor and cost than a lawn.
The many meadowscaping perks havent gone unnoticed.
Credit:Anne Readel
How to Start Meadowscaping
Beforeplanting a meadow, there are a few things to consider.
First, youll need to determinewhether to use seedsor plants.
Seeds are very affordable but more time-consuming.
Credit:Anne Readel
Second, its important to select species that match your goals and the characteristics of your yard.
Natives also do a better job supporting pollinators than exotic plants, explains Weisenhorn.
Contact your local native plant growers to choose plants that match your conditions, advises Weisenhorn.
Before planting your meadow, youll also need to prepare the site.
This may requireremoving existing turf, smothering weeds, and/or tilling the soil.
Many landscaping companies can help you with these steps, if you dont feel like tackling it yourself.
Anne Readel
Maintaining Your Meadowscape
Meadows do require some maintenance, especially during the first few years.
Until your meadow becomes established, itsimperative to manage weeds.
For seeded meadows, mowing for the first few years is the easiest way to keep weeds at bay.
For planted meadows, hand weed and mulch until the plants fill in.
But once your meadow becomes established, it will be virtually maintenance free.
A lot of people will become overwhelmed by ripping out their entire front yard, says Weisenhorn.
That’s why she often recommends replacing a small area of turf grass and expanding over time.
Going slow can also help acclimate neighbors to the new look.
Communication is really important, stresses Weisenhorn.
Talk to your neighbors and let them know what youre doing.
Signs can also inform neighbors that youre not just growing a bunch of weeds.
I always tell people to get a sign, says Brewer.
For the first few years, use a temporary sign that says Meadow in Progress.
Simplyplacing a fence around the areacan also help people understand that what youre doing is intentional.
Overall, meadowscaping is a growing movement thats only going to get bigger.
So, dont be afraid to try something different.
And who knows, you neighbors may even join you by meadowscaping their own yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the first few years, meadowscape landscapes need extra helpparticularly with weed control.
However, once established, meadowscapes require less maintenance than traditional lawnsespecially when filled with native plants.
Hand-pull any weeds that pop up and give your meadowscape yard extra water during periods of drought.
At least once a year, plan to remove dead vegetation.
This is especially true for most wildflowers and native grasses.
Meadowscaped spaces are meant to look lush and natural, but they still require planning and maintenance.
When planting your garden, consider native plants with varied bloom times, heights, and textures.
Use framing elementslike fences, large shrubs, or stone pathsto break up the space and add structure.
Wildflower seeds will struggle to germinate when in competition with the grass for sun, water, and nutrients.
