The return to nature can be observed more and more clearly. It is not just a fad but is now almost a necessity. Promoting environmentally friendly solutions applies not only to technology, but also to lifestyle. This return to the roots also extends to horticulture.And these are both ways of protection and systems of plant cultivation, as well as styles of garden establishment.Chemical treatment is gradually being abandoned in favor of environmentally friendly methods.
The prairie garden is one of the types of compositions that perfectly fit into the increasingly common naturalistic trend. The discounts are not like a ruler, they become gentle, even flow, and the plants are allowed to grow and spread freely.The main inspiration here is, of course, nature.The prototype of a prairie garden is the vast grassy areas of the central states of America, such as Illinois or Ohio.
Such a garden has many advantages. We can even put it on very barren, barren and dry soil. Frost, strong wind, hot summer pose no threat to him.The prairie garden will be attractive both on a flat plot and on hilly or uneven terrain.In average soil, we can practically give up fertilizing plants. It only requires more attention for the first two years. It needs to be weeded regularly to allow the plants to thrive.In the following years, care is limited to cutting dry shoots and replenishing empty spacesIt is worth waiting until the end of winter with pruning, because dead, frosted stalks, inflorescences and leaves will diversify the landscape.
Prairie gardens are arranged in an open system, they are an extension of the surrounding area.In practice, this means that low, wooden fences, retaining walls or farm fences match them best.Since we imitate nature, the lines should be soft, flowing.The topography does not matter, although all hills and falls make it more dynamic and give the impression of dynamism.
Plants for the prairie discount
The most important thing is, of course, the selection of plants.They should be resistant to drought and sun, perennials and grasses.In flat areas we can use small wigs, tavulas, barberry, wild rose, winged euonymus, mountain pine. From trees, birch trees, acetic sumac, lime tree, three-thorns honeysuckle will work well as a background.
When creating a prairie bed, plant several plants next to each other, preferably in larger groups in a system of interpenetrating islands.There is no need to follow established patterns, but avoid sharp angles and repetitive, regular elements. The garden should be as close to the natural habitat as possible.
To introduce dynamism, we juxtapose species with contrasting colors. Similarly, let's plant plants that differ in height next to each other. Especially on flat terrain, this gives the effect of three-dimensional depth. However, in order to avoid the impression of chaos, the highest ones are planted in the middle and at the back, and the lowest ones in the front.As there are no water reservoirs on the prairies, do not put them in the prairie garden either.Let's design a dry gravel stream. The paths should be covered with natural material. For variety, you can add sandstone fragments here and there.
Perennials in a duet with grasses
Perennials that will work best on our prairie are: goldenrod, asters, split, echinacea, lyatras, slopes, mullein, yarrow, speedwells, daylilies, bluebells, black cumin, garlic and many others. The prairie garden must not be complete without grasses. They add lightness to flowerbeds, they blow with the slightest gusts of wind, rustling pleasantly.The choice is huge.
There are species of short and over two-meter-tall leaves of various colors - from green through steel gray to purple and dark brown.It is especially worth planting tall miscanthus, because they will dominate other plants. Among other durable grasses it is worth recommending reeds, brain, spartan grasses, stipes, rotisserie millet, rozplenice.
Plants for the prairie garden
1. The dotted eaten grows widely thanks to runners. It will grow almost anywhere, but it prefers sunny places.Its flowers give the flower beds a lot of warmth.
2. Himalayan knotweed is expansive, which prevents the growth of weeds. Since August, it has been adorned with spiky inflorescences.
3. Liatra is a wonderful hardy perennial. It can be planted singly as strong vertical accents or in groups.It blooms white or purple all summer.It attracts swarms of butterflies and other insects, making the garden even more part of the ecosystem.
4. Sedum plants are famous for their incredible resistance to drought. They bloom from August until frost in all shades of pink. It is worth leaving dead shoots to decorate the garden in winter. It also attracts insects, which creates an excuse to watch nature carefully.
5. St. Nicholas' agavolistus is suitable for the driest places.Thanks to the long, deeply reaching tap roots, it is not afraid of any drought.It blooms in full summer, then producing hundreds of seeds. It captivates with its extremely exotic appearance.
