By Katie Markheim
Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
Aug. 7 – Nebraska. It’s not for everyone. And neither is the prairie for some, but not for others. For the latter, the utilization of prairie plants in your planted landscapes is not only aesthetically pleasing but extremely beneficial in many ways. So why plant the prairie? Experts from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum explain that from pollination to improving air quality, native prairie plants do an excellent job of providing essential food and shelter for native pollinators such as bees, wasps, and butterflies as well as reduce the amount of ground level toxins into the air as generated by lawn maintenance equipment. Native plantings, especially in larger, open spaces, provide not only educational opportunities but also biodiverse environments where the energy-dense plant structures convert into fuels. And if you’re looking at the bigger picture, these fuels can expand from the very basic residential landscape into grazing and hay production.
Aug. 8 – So, you love the prairie but don’t own an acreage…how do you start incorporating that type of green space into your residential landscape? First, much like you would do for any other planting bed, prepare the soil by eradicating weeds by pulling, smothering with natural items like lawn clippings and newspaper, or using a minimally toxic, short-lived herbicide. Next, consider prairie combinations for your short and tall grass selection, as well as cool and warm season flowers. Lastly, make a maintenance plan. This includes considerations for cover cropping, biological pest management, and watering practices. As we continue to live where prairie once existed, many gardeners and landscape professionals are discovering the low-maintenance benefits to a sustainable, natural landscape.
Aug. 9 – Let’s take a moment to call out some prairie plants we love, not only for their rich history here on the Great Plains and their beauty but for their resourcefulness too. A common one is the purple coneflower or Echinacea angustifolia. Echinacea is widely used today but had once been widely used as a medicinal plant by the Plains Indians. Its root system was used as a painkiller and helpful for coughs, colds, bites, and burns. As seed heads dried, natives used them as combs. Another great native is the elderberry. While a beautiful shrub-like plant in the landscape, it too has medicinal properties making it great for use in teas as the blossoms dry. For a listing of prairie plant uses, check out online resources provided by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.
Aug. 10 – Is the grass truly greener on the other side of the fence? Well, it may be, but if you’ve been incorporating prairie-like plantings in your landscape, you, my gardening friend, have the ‘greener’ side. Thanks to the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, here are a couple tips to keeping your prairie garden in tip-top shape. 1) Eradicate weeds as best you can prior to planting, then pick your battles. Spend your efforts on the worst problems early on. 2) Once established, water your garden only during periods of extended drought. Guess what! The native plants are built to withstand climate extremes. 3) And think ‘seasons’ when adding or changing the planting pattern of your space. Mother Nature offers several colorful pallets and varied texture options in plant types to suit wet spring weather, dry and hot summers, cooler fall days, and interest in the dead of winter.
Aug. 11 – We’ve focused on native plantings in the residential landscape but what about our communities? Did you know that the prairie can be brought into the city? Many native grasses are great for incorporating into urban spaces. The benefits are far beyond providing beautiful spaces to look at. Bioswales are often used to absorb and filter water runoff from surrounding pavement. Mass plantings can offer a sense of place while softening the harsh urban hardscapes. Also, native plants can fill areas that are difficult to mow, water or manage, creating a space with minimal care needed. The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum offers several opportunities and resources for Nebraska communities who look to create happier, healthier, and more naturally sustainable spaces for their residents and visitors. Check them out today at plantnebraska.org.