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The aim is to have a garden of native plants around the house and a 2.5 acre re-creation
of the Rice Lake Tall Grass Prairie between the house and the lake.
The first three seasons (2005 - 2007) were spent acquiring information about
what plants and grasses are native to the area and discovering what grows well on this specific site.
During this time several trial beds were planted and the planting around the house was
initiated.
The prairie area was originally planted with crops such as corn and oats,
although a hillier area at the east side was abandoned years ago and left to grow wild
with asters, goldenrod, and other flowers and weeds.
In 2005 it was sown with a mixture of alfalfa and timothy grass to create a hay crop.
This was done to provide a cover crop during the planning stages. At this time there
was a possibility of using the land as a tree farm and the nitrogen-fixing abilty
of alfalfa was seen as an advantage.
In 2007 an attempt was made to repeatedly spray the area with glyphosate ("Roundup")
with the intention of avoiding any weeds germinating and spreading seeds. This was
only partly successful, as the alfalfa would sprout rapidly from its tuberous roots.
Also the farmer's schedule did not allow him to spray as often as necessary. At
times some of the weeds were mowed before they spread seeds, but the irregularity of
the ground made this difficult.
In the spring of 2008 a final spray with 2-4 D was performed, killing off all the existing
vegetation except for one small patch of dog-strangling vine which was sprayed with
glyphosate (Roundup). The plot was then tilled by a farmer. On May 18th the prairie was planted
using a seed spreader mounted behind an ATV and hand spreading. An old bedstead was used
to spread the seed more evenly and bury it slightly. As the seeding was completed, it
started to rain!
One week later the plot was weed free with no signs of anything germinating.
June 4th - Extra 200 g Monarda and 100g Desdemone canadensis added by hand to edges
of field.
June 18th - Isolated clumps of alfalfa growing, plus about six patches on dog
strangling vine. All DSV and most alfalfa sprayed with glyphosate.
June 30th - Much greenery. Patch of thistles (mid N border) mown down, along with some DSV.
Other DSV patches brown but not dead. Some clumps of milkweed, some Virginia Creeper and
bindweed.
Too wet to spray, some flowering weeds scythed down.
Annual rye up about 3 - 4 inches in places.
July 12th - Mowed down entire area. Vegetation 2 ft tall in many areas. Alfalafa,
milkweed, thistles.
Aug 3rd - Annual rye outcompeting weeds in many areas.
Very little in bloom so not mowed.
Applying herbicide |
Land after herbicide sprayed |
Land after tilling, ready for seeding |
Seed supplies |
Spreading seed |
Using harrow and mattress to cover seed |
Weeds July 2008 |
Weeds July 2008 |
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