If you have been to Blue Grass Enterprises this last year, you have probably noticed our ditches are more colorful than they used to be. That’s because we have been playing with some wildflower and native grass seed mixes to support biodiversity around the borders our farm. <3
I can hear you thinking, “wait, aren’t you a sod farm? Why would you carry wildflower seeds?”
Great question. Thanks for thinking it! As you can guess, we love lawns. Lawns provide families affordable access to greenery and children a place to play that other landscapes simply cannot. In fact, grasses play an essential role in the success, comfort, health, and social well-being of millions of people, particularly in urban/suburban environments. Read here for more information on the cool (literally and figuratively) things grasses do for our urban spaces.
As a sod farmer, I like to think of lawns like a beautiful (and beneficial) canvas on which to paint lots of different plants and ideas. Enter the wildflower seeds. Each of the blends we offer (one shade tolerant, one full sun) will cover approximately 1,000 sq/ft and is full of some annuals (for color the first year) and lots of perennials. Wildflowers are a very fun and beautiful way to promote biodiversity for bugs and birds on your property.
Important Details on our Wildflowers
Our Midwest Mix will include flowers ranging in heights from 8” - 36” tall. The Shade Mix will range in heights from 6” - 36” and can go down to 1-4 hours of direct sunlight a day. For a full list of included flowers, read here. Wildflower seeds can be planted in the spring, summer, and late fall (dormant seeding) with these mixes. 13-13-13 would be a great starter fertilizer to use along with these flowers during the growing season. Plan on mowing the wildflowers at least once a year (preferably after the last blooms have ended) to encourage new growth the next year.
Not Into Flowers But Into Responsible Lawn Care?
Not ready to put in a wildflower patch but still interested in taking care of your property? Don’t worry, there are still things you can do to support ecosystems positively with your lawn such as feeding your lawns responsibly. Consider a custom feeding program using a soil sample. We can use this information to build a feeding program custom designed for your lawn to ensure efficient, effective, and responsible feeding strategies.
What Else Can I Do?
Hungry for more biodiversity ideas? Talk to your local garden centers and tree nurseries about native trees to replace those lost in the derecho and perennial plants that bloom throughout the year. Accept that it is ok for bugs to eat certain plants. Be tolerant of the messes fruit or nut plants can leave behind because it is helping to feed animals (and maybe people too). Put up birdhouses, bug houses, and feeders. Hang bat and owl houses. Plant a veggie garden or some berry bushes. Donate what you don’t use to wonderful organizations like Feed Iowa First.
The nice thing about owning a home is it gives us a chance to give back in our own unique ways to both nature and our communities. We are all given the opportunity to be creative with our properties. We’re just really excited to be able to add some pops of color to our neighborhoods along with you!