Patience of the Prairie
Planting a prairie from seed takes a lot of patience and dedication. This cannot be over emphasized because the planting may look like a weed patch for the first few years. A new prairie planting takes two to three years to establish. Native plants work on their root systems first and it is very important to control weeds during this time. Growing native plants takes time, but once established they pay off in beauty, drought tolerance and minimal maintenance. Remember, be patient - it will come.

The rows are beginning to show

There are many facts available on prairie restoration. Below are a list of links with educational information. Please contact us with any additional questions. We are here to help! Click below for details... Site Preparation Wild Seed Food Value Weed Control Suggested Plantings Seed Quality & Facts Wildlife Habitat Native Plant Communities

Why Prairie Landscaping?
• Water is a precious resource in the Northern Great Plains, and water conservation is a high priority for expanding urban areas.

• Traditional lawns and landscaping methods may utilize fifty percent of annual residential water use.

• Water quality is jeopardized because of consistently high application rates of fertilizer and pesticides.

• Native grasses are adapted to the climatic extremes of this area and provide reduced maintenance and a traditional beauty that is becoming more desirable to many homeowners.

This website is intended to provide general information regarding establishment of native grasses and recommends varieties that are adapted for prairie landscaping in the Northern Great Plains.

Adapted varieties of native grasses that originated in the Northern Great Plains provide an alternative that will conserve water, reduce fertilizer and chemical use, and reduce the use of fossil fuels used in mowing and other turf maintenance. Once established, the native grasses provide an enduring landscape that promotes many environmental benefits, as well as reduced maintenance to the homeowner.

Kentucky bluegrass sod is generally regarded as requiring the highest level of maintenance for ground cover landscaping. High plant densities required for the “traditional turf” look need high amounts of water and fertilizer to keep the grass healthy and vigorous. Adding to the problem is the continual need for mowing. The more you water and fertilize, the more you need to mow. Many homeowners are reducing the size of their traditional lawns in favor of a reduced maintenance approach.