Have you driven down Interstate-40 in North Carolina and noticed the beautiful wildflowers blooming along the roadsides? If, like me, those colorful flowers brighten your day, it might make you want to do something similar in your own garden or landscape. However, if you think it isn’t possible because you don’t have a large tract of land, don’t fear! It is possible to create a meadow garden on a smaller scale.
Typically meadow gardens are dominated by grasses that range in height from tall, medium and short. Yet, these gardens are also interspersed with native wildflowers and can include other grasslike plants and low shrubs. Meadow gardens work well as an informal border or along a strip of space where you would like to add more texture and/or color. For instance, a strip along a driveway or a hill that you are not interested in mowing or just can’t decide what to plant there may be a good candidate for a meadow garden. They can even be used as a focal point in your garden or along a fence or patio. If you really are limited on space, you can create a meadow-like effect by grouping pots planted with grasses or wildflowers.
Another great thing about meadow gardens or wildflower gardens is that they are great for wildlife. They can be a great resource for our pollinator friends like the bees and butterflies. Native grasses and wildflowers provide food and shelter for pollinators. In addition, meadow gardens also benefit the environment by stabilizing the soil which helps prevent erosion, and can also be instrumental in reducing stormwater pollution by slowing stormwater runoff as well as filtering out pollutants before they reach our waterways.
If you are considering a meadow garden for your yard or landscape you just need to make sure the site location receives at least 6-8 hours of sun and that it has good drainage. The site also needs to be prepared before planting, and selecting native plants is best as they are better adapted to our USDA zone. How to prepare the site will depend on what is currently located on the site but typically involves completely removing any weeds or turfgrass prior to planting. Whatever your space size, a meadow garden is one way to add year-round interest to your garden or landscape.
If we can help you with planning and installing a meadow garden, please call us at 919-844-3441 or fill out the contact form below.
