Lawn/Meadow-Getting Better

In the continuing saga of the transformation of the little bit of lawn at the side of the garage into a sort of meadow, fall of 2012 sees improvements being made.

The star planting is Verbena bonariensis. In bloom since May, it has been discovered that frequent trimming will keep the height in check and the flowers flowing. Pollinators of all sorts adore these little purple tubes.

The addition of weeds wildflowers dug from the gravel paths has worked well. The tiny white dots are just what is needed to brighten up the greens and purples.

This summer, it was determined that red foliage was needed. Persicaria ‘Red Dragon’ was available and up to the task. It has filled in nicely.

The story about that can be read by clicking here.

Much more needs to be added, obviously.

But the addition of red is the way to go. Crimson clover seed was scattered in late winter, germinating in late May. More seed was purchased at the Co-op for an earlier sowing in late fall, hoping to see the red dots when the spring bulbs are in bloom.

The lawn/meadow is still a bit on the messy side, to some eyes, but it is improving.

There are now more flowers during the entire growing season, with more variety. Above are the LA hybrid Lilium ‘Royal Sunset’, gorgeous in bloom in late May and adding strong, dark green vertical elements afterwards. When the stalks turn brown, they are cut down.

Finding what will grow in the midst of a former lawn has been a learning process.
Click here to see the beginning of this project with updates. The image above shows the lawn in April of 2008, before the thought of it becoming a meadow had entered our consciousness.

The whole thing is mowed down for a neat appearance after several frosts have turned it to a collapsed pile of straw.

Truth be told, come September, the lawn is little more than a backdrop for the pink veil of loveliness, Muhlenbergia capillaris growing along the driveway, anyway.

Frances