? About wildflowers

[Tussiemussies]

Where we live now the landscape lends itself to wildflowers more than anything else. Do you have to pull out the grass to plant them? Can you just scatter the seeds and they will grow or do you have to dig to plant the seeds? Do deer like them also?

Thanks for your help. Christine

[herbgeek]

For most wildflowers yes, you'll have to get rid of the grass, or whatever you have that might be tougher than a delicate wildflower seedling. Their roots need room to develop. Invasives don't need pampering, but then you'll have other problems. Some good resources at wildseedfarms.com about cultivation, plus all the seeds have a map to show where they naturally flourish. You also have to water them well until they are established.

[Mrs-M]

A key rule-of-thumb to always remember, Tussiemussies... if you are looking to plant (anything), and want it/them to take, then it's best to ensure a clean, clear, and unobstructed area in which to plant.

Pre-existing growth, old root structures, other plantings, etc, create a competition ground for new plantings, thus robbing valuable nutrients, light, and other necessary elements that are required to successfully start new plantings and give the new plantings a fair start and chance at survival.

Re: deer, I would definitely wire-off the area in which you are planning your plantings as a precautionary measure.

[Tussiemussies]

Thanks Mrs. m and Herbgeek -- after reading your responses I think I'll try to find something else to do... Just is too much to pull up the grass at this time! Thank you though...:)

[herbgeek]

You can be lazy like I was and just get dirt delivered that goes over the existing grass and eventually the grass will decay. You could probably accelerate that by putting down several layers of newspaper on the grass first before covering with dirt. You could do a legume that flowers, like crown vetch. It has lovely purple flowers, and since its a legume it also puts nitrogen into the soil, so if you want to plant things later you'll have better soil. Or crimson clover is pretty too. Just mow it once a year.

[Float On]

You might check with your state conservation department and see what sort of naturalization programs they have. Our state has http://www.mowildflowers.net/ and we stop by the nursery several times a year to add to our native gardening attempt. They sponsor talks about turning your yard native at various conservation centers across the state.

[Gregg]

Your local extension agents should also be able to help. We had a huge and hungry deer population at our previous house, but managed to find a dozen or more, primarily native wildflowers that the deer didn't touch.

[Gardenarian]

You can mow the grass down to the dirt, cover it with cardboard, put a layer of soil on top, and then sow your wildflowers. Most wildfowers do fine just scattered.
Seems like deer like everything.
You could also have a mixed meadow with flowers growing among the grass - looks messy to some, but I think it's pretty. Just put some soil in a bucket with your wildflower seeds (mow the grass real low first) and scatter around. Looks real pretty to see the daisies and coneflower coming up with the grass.

[Tussiemussies]

Thanks so much everyone for your replies, they all are so helpful. I see wildflowers when I drive on major roadways, they put them in the median but with grass all around. It is really nice to see that on your drive. I think I am going to try Gardenarian suggestion and see how it works and call the extension agency and see about the state conservation agency which I am not sure that NJ has one. Now I am excited again about the possibility!!! :)