D’s Expanding Prairie
Lakeville, MN.
While modest in size this planting is punching above its weight in ecological terms. With nearly 115 plants ready to activate multiple layers and provide blooms in spring, summer and fall, this planting is a pollinator powerhouse. D’s hope is to bring hummingbirds and monarch butterflies back to her yard because she hasn’t been seeing as many the past few years.
Bathed in sun with a slight slope our options were plentiful for planting, but we sought inspiration from the restored prairies of Dakota County at parks like White Tail Woods. This county was once covered with a mix of big wood forests, savannas and grasslands but over the years it has been plowed and slashed into farmland, then sand mines and most recently suburban sprawl filled with warehouses and single-family homes. What will it become next? Hopefully a haven for native flora, fauna and fungi?
The Expanding Prairie got its name because we know she’s going to want to the expand the planting once she sees all the wonderful insects and birds visiting her yard.
Conceived, designed and installed by Preston Drum in the Spring of 2024.
Before, dog included for scale.
In-progress.
After
Site Prep. On this site turf was removed, compost was added and soil was hand tilled because a tree used to be in this location.
A swale was dug to collect water and act a weed block.
Plant layout.
We space plants closely (8"-12") to eliminate opportunities for weeds and to mimic the natural composition of a prairie.
Close-up showing Echinacea, Prairie Smoke, Rattlesnake Master, Little Bluestem, Penn Sedge and some bedding annuals.
Another angle.
A sign to inform and hopefully inspire her neighbors.