Each of the posts in this series has showcased sections of our yard and what we've done in each section including before and after photos.
Part 1 and Part 2: Removing Impervious Surfaces
Part 3: Removing Stone Mulch
Part 4: Removing Invasive Species and Smothering Grass
Part 5: Smothering More Grass and Planting Woodland Natives
Part 6: Planting Natives on a Steep Hillside
Part 7: Planting the Hillside
Part 8 is the area in front of our west facing deck and the top of the slope from Part 7. More stone mulch was covering this part of the garden. Interspersed in the stone mulch was some Japanese Spiraea which were removed.
 |
| Before photo, July 2004. View towards deck. |
 |
| Stone Mulch Removed in September 2004 |
 |
| View looking up slope. Started to remove wood timbers along steps as well. |
 |
| All stone mulch and wood timbers removed. Prairie plugs planted in late fall 2004. |
 |
| March 2009. Left plant stems and leaves all winter for overwintering insects. |
 |
| Early May 2009. Cut down plant stems and left on ground around plants. Prairie species emerging. |
 |
| Late August 2009. |
Some of the native prairie species we planted were, Little Bluestem, Kalm's Brome, June Grass, Pale Indian Plantain, False White Indigo, Black Eyed Susans, Joe Pye Weed, Pale Purple Coneflower, Butterfly Milkweed, Stiff Goldenrod, and Prairie Smoke. We also added Pasque Flower and Wild Lupine for early spring color.
