By Katie Markheim, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
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.