Garden

[Mom2Dogs]

Spoiler

I am thinking of planting seeds/wildflowers in an area in the back of my yard.  I don't want to deal with plants or the need to mulch, trim, etc...I am thinking the wildflowers will be easier and a bit more maintenance free.

Has anyone put in a wildflower area and if so where did you get your seeds?  I found a couple of sources on line but thought I would ask before I purchase.  thanks

[Tshirtgal]

Here is my experience. I have acreage that I thought wildflowers would look great.  I planted one acre at great expense.  I started out with weed free cultivated soil that took one entire season to treat.   Weed seeds live in the soil for multiple years.  Within a few years, weeds took over.   It never looks like the pictures.  And, any wildflowers photos that are beautiful have been maintained with chemical weed control.  

[Mom2Dogs]

@Tshirtgal  Well fudge, I was hoping for a different response.  I had read about treating the soil 3-6 months before planting, which did not thrill me but your reply has me forgetting the idea and going to plan B. which right now is not clear.

I wanted something with height and lower maintenance.  Not traditional plant material.  I like ground cover but I don't know of any that has height like wildflowers.

thanks for the reply

[Eileen in Virginia]

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@Mom2Dogs wrote:

@Tshirtgal  Well fudge, I was hoping for a different response.  I had read about treating the soil 3-6 months before planting, which did not thrill me but your reply has me forgetting the idea and going to plan B. which right now is not clear.

I wanted something with height and lower maintenance.  Not traditional plant material.  I like ground cover but I don't know of any that has height like wildflowers.

thanks for the reply

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I agree with @Tshirtgal . Our situation is a little bit different. Years ago we had our front yard landscaped, using vinca and liriope as ground covers under a mature maple and dogwood tree. As time passed, the dogwood died and the maple tree was pruned to allow more light through to the ground. While the ground covers grew well, so did the ivy and Virginia creeper. Short of using serious weed killers that would probably hurt the maple tree, the only thing we can do to keep on top of the weeds is hit them with the weed whacker. We attacked the weeds a couple of weeks ago and, with all the rain we've had lately, the weeds are now standing about 6" above the ground covers. 🤬

We had our backyard regraded about 7 years ago. At that time, weeds had taken over much of our yard, making it nearly impossible to walk through the yard without getting snagged on their thorns. The "regrader man" cleared out all of the weeds (pulling them up by the roots). We've got grass growing there now. The only reason the weeds haven't taken over again is that it gets mowed on a weekly basis. 

Bear in mind that our house is in a suburban neighborhood on 1/3 acre - not a very big lot. I suggest you check with your county extension service to see what they recommend as a viable solution. They know the local soil conditions, native plants, weather conditions, etc. to give you some good options. Good luck! 

[We rescue cats]

We are doing this (or attempting to do so) now. We had a large inground pool that we shut down and filled in 2 years ago. Last year we put down soil and planted a combination of clover and grass seed. We then installed a dozen very large trees, service berry, korean dogwood, redwood, autumn red maple . . . etc. This year I added a 10x12 perennial bed, have it about half planted. It's a process for sure, but so far I am pleased with it. I worked with a couple of friends that are master gardeners specializing in natural plantings for our area that are easily maintained for and by the wildlife. I under estimated the tenacity of the clover seed . . . it is taking over!