Do we have a stance wildflower prepackaged mixes? Everything in the ingredient list is native to IL (I’m in Chicago).
< 500 sq 👣, baked in southern exposure. Wondering if I may be better off buying individual pieces and creating a mix myself. I do like the representative photo.
As long as its native, I wouldn’t see whats controversial about it. I flowered my entire yard using Prairie Moon seed blends to cut costs.
LongDongFrazier
Not at all just some packaging is incredibly misleading and aren’t really native to the state.
RoseGoldMagnolias
If you make your own mix, pick plants that tolerate the same conditions. If you go with a premade mix, check that the plants are native to your area. The type that big-box stores usually sell can survive in your region but tend to not have plants that are native to anywhere in North America.
NovelRelationship830
I ordered a ‘Pollinator Mix’ and while there were many cool flowers I also got a lot of invasive weeds. Never again.
Feralpudel
You’re on solid ground with PrairieMoon, and it’s kinda regional for you. There may be other regional native seed companies.
High quality regional seed companies will hopefully offer at least some local ecotypes, i.e., seed from area. This has the benefit of it fitting in nicely in your ecosystem since it will be joining the gene pool.
It also at least theoretically is a better fit for your climate, soil, and growing conditions than the same species from another part of the country (even if the species is native to both areas).
A good mix from a quality company will be a deliberate mix of annuals and quick-start perennials and other perennials that will be slower to establish. It may also be for specific conditions, such as moister or drier soil. The plants that show up in the first few years will help with weed pressure.
erino3120
I use Vermont wildflower farm and make sure I get perennials only (without annuals mixed in to fill in the first year while the perennials adjust.) I’ve never had a surprise with them.
NotKenzy
If you can determine that they are a truly native mix (some advertize as native but just have naturalized plants), I don’t see what’s wrong with using a mix for annuals. For perennials, I would be more selective and not do broadcast seeding.
curioalpaca
I’ve had good luck with Prairie Moon and you’ve done the due diligence of cross referencing the mix to your area!
edgeplot
If everything is native to your area, fine. But most mixes are not composed of 100% native species, and sometimes they have as low as 0%. I’m pretty much opposed to those.
TsuDhoNimh2
Mixes are usually cost effective … most sellers do a weed check and a germination test.
AND you can fluff them up with a few packets of your favorites.
What is the budget? Could you do a zone of plugs and a zone of seeds? The pic looks like people coneflower, yarrow?, black eye Susan, & maybe butterfly weed. Anyways, what is your ultimate goal for this 500sqft?
PhysicsIsFun
This looks like it’s from Prairie Nursery in Wisconsin. If it is. It’s legit. (www.prairienursery.com) They are a first class operation.
14 Comments
As long as its native, I wouldn’t see whats controversial about it. I flowered my entire yard using Prairie Moon seed blends to cut costs.
Not at all just some packaging is incredibly misleading and aren’t really native to the state.
If you make your own mix, pick plants that tolerate the same conditions. If you go with a premade mix, check that the plants are native to your area. The type that big-box stores usually sell can survive in your region but tend to not have plants that are native to anywhere in North America.
I ordered a ‘Pollinator Mix’ and while there were many cool flowers I also got a lot of invasive weeds. Never again.
You’re on solid ground with PrairieMoon, and it’s kinda regional for you. There may be other regional native seed companies.
High quality regional seed companies will hopefully offer at least some local ecotypes, i.e., seed from area. This has the benefit of it fitting in nicely in your ecosystem since it will be joining the gene pool.
It also at least theoretically is a better fit for your climate, soil, and growing conditions than the same species from another part of the country (even if the species is native to both areas).
A good mix from a quality company will be a deliberate mix of annuals and quick-start perennials and other perennials that will be slower to establish. It may also be for specific conditions, such as moister or drier soil. The plants that show up in the first few years will help with weed pressure.
I use Vermont wildflower farm and make sure I get perennials only (without annuals mixed in to fill in the first year while the perennials adjust.) I’ve never had a surprise with them.
If you can determine that they are a truly native mix (some advertize as native but just have naturalized plants), I don’t see what’s wrong with using a mix for annuals. For perennials, I would be more selective and not do broadcast seeding.
I’ve had good luck with Prairie Moon and you’ve done the due diligence of cross referencing the mix to your area!
If everything is native to your area, fine. But most mixes are not composed of 100% native species, and sometimes they have as low as 0%. I’m pretty much opposed to those.
Mixes are usually cost effective … most sellers do a weed check and a germination test.
AND you can fluff them up with a few packets of your favorites.
[The Conservation Foundation](https://theconservationfoundation.org/conservation-home/professional-resources/) may have some good resources for you. I’m not sure how much they do in Chicago but their website is worth checking out for ideas and nurseries in the area.
What is the budget? Could you do a zone of plugs and a zone of seeds? The pic looks like people coneflower, yarrow?, black eye Susan, & maybe butterfly weed. Anyways, what is your ultimate goal for this 500sqft?
This looks like it’s from Prairie Nursery in Wisconsin. If it is. It’s legit. (www.prairienursery.com) They are a first class operation.
Buy from a reputable retailer.