Wildflower Garden

Question

This is a stretch. . . or stretch of genius? Help me decide.

My family and I live in beautiful southern IL and have an acre lot. Maintaining and keeping up with green grass on this acre has proven a real challenge and cost over the past 8 years.

This afternoon my wife and I asked ourselves, ‘why don’t we just make our back 1/2 acre a wildflower garden? Surely it would cost less than sowing high-dollar fescue grass each fall (not including the time and effort of aerating, seeding, etc. ).

So, is this possible? Is it a good idea with the right wildflower seed? Would it be more hands-free maintenance than maintaining (or trying to maintain) a well manicured green lawn? Can you steer us here? We like the idea, but would really appreciate some expert advice.

Answer 1

Wildflowers mixed in with prairie grasses will create a lovely meadow; however, check first to see what varieties thrive in your particular area. A meadow can add striking color and texture to your landscape while providing a low maintenance solution to the traditional grass-covered lawn. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/a-wildflower-garden-in-your-backyard.htm