I’m in PA zone 7a. I’m thinking about making a wildflower meadow in between the bushes on the right. I’m planning for next season of course. Or what would you do with this space? I’m looking for low maintenance and/or beneficial for wildlife. I started a yellow rose in the front.
by home_bb
4 Comments
Definitely following this thread. My property is 5b in Wisconsin but has a similar vibe.
I have created a few large beds in the front yard and planted perennials in them. I think the next step is to replace a dying tree with a rain garden and route the downspouts out to it. Not NoLawn, but definitely transitioning in steps.
If you want it to be beneficial for wildlife, research native plants. Natives are a much better choice.
If permitted (being from Europe I really can’t get used to this idea) stop mowing e.g. the central area every week and see what happens, if native flowers pop up. Then when it becomes high and/or starts to fall down mow half of it. Mow the other half when the first half had decent regrowth. Might take a couple of years. Instead of actively making something you spend less effort and less time, but chances are it’ll turn into that meadow you want and in a more sustainable way. Chances also are it won’t, but then at least you know, plus in the meantime some local insects might have benefited from the longer grass in various ways.
I would do 2-3 fruit trees with some more berry bushes around them to create a permaculture guild.