STILLWATER – While driving through Oklahoma, it’s not uncommon to see patches of wildflowers along the freeway. The variety of colors and textures makes these patches appealing to the eyes. Wildflower gardens are also a great addition to any landscape, and recreating this beauty in a public garden or home landscape can create a pleasing aesthetic – provided the right steps are taken to establish it.
Gardeners are eco-conscious, and in some ways wildflower gardens are more eco-friendly than traditional gardens, said David Hillock, general public horticulturist at Oklahoma State University Extension.
“Although most plants will survive for some time in a given environment without human intervention, wildflowers will need the right conditions to function in the way they want. Fertilizers and other amendments may be needed when environmental conditions are not ideal, â€said Hillock. “Once established, wildflowers should grow well because they are used to the soils and growing conditions of the local climate. “
Good native wildflower choices include hedge flower, black-eyed Susan, sunflowers, joe pye weed, purple coneflower, purple prairie clover, butterfly weed, dairy weeds, bluestars, goldenrod, Mexican hat and tick seeds.
Late fall is great for planting a wildflower garden, but as with any gardening endeavor, site selection is vital. Consider factors such as sun and wind exposure, drainage, site topography, site access for maintenance and irrigation. Hillock said that while multiple options for a site are available, the plant species or aesthetic desired can dictate the location of the wildflower garden.
It is important to clear all vegetation from the site and this process can take some time. Non-selective post-emergence herbicides are an effective means of killing perennial weeds growing in the area and several treatments may be necessary. After plowing, the area should be left relatively calm for enough time to see new weeds growing, which then needs to be treated.
“Another option for clearing vegetation is solarization, as long as the existing vegetation is of manageable size,†he said. “Solarization is done by using clear plastic sheeting and the heat of the sun to cook the plants and seeds. Heat from solarizing soil can also be used to reduce the amount of viable weed seeds, but will not completely eliminate them. Using black plastic or other opaque material blocks sunlight and stops photosynthesis, killing plants.
Plowing is another option for getting rid of vegetation, although it is not as reliable as other methods. Plowing will kill and help remove some perennial weeds with stubborn root systems, but it can help multiply others by dividing rhizomes and other plant parts that serve as propagules for new plants. Additionally, this method can also cause dormant seeds to loosen below the soil surface.
Unlike traditional flower beds, soil amendments are generally not necessary as the plants of the species are generally adapted to poor soil conditions.
For gardening enthusiasts who are considering setting up a wildflower bed, it is important that they understand seed dormancy. Many native species have evolved to germinate only when conditions are ideal, such as after a heavy rain or a fire. Typically, seeds need a cool, wet period to break dormancy, also known as stratification. Dormancy can be broken artificially by placing the seeds in moist growing medium in the refrigerator for about four to eight weeks.
“Some seed companies sell seeds that have already gone through this process. However, others don’t because untreated seeds have a longer shelf life, â€Hillock said. “Here in Oklahoma, it is recommended that you plant your seeds in late fall to make sure the seeds go through natural stratification or some other dormant breaking process. In areas that receive more snow, a post-frost / snowfall planting is ideal. Another plus is that planting in late fall will not interfere with more urgent spring garden tasks.
Successful sowing of seeds will lead to a complete garden with a balance of selected species throughout the space. If the space is large, separate the area into equal parts. Combine your seeds and mix well, then divide the seeds into equal parts of the garden. Then add a moistened filler, such as sawdust, compost, peat moss, sand, or rice husks, to each section of seed. Add three parts of filler material to each section of seed to create a diffusion mixture. Spread the mixture over each area and lightly tamp the seed with feet or other tools to ensure good seed-to-soil contact without burying the seeds too deeply.
Remember that wildflower gardens are not effort to set it up and forget it. After the seeds are planted, watch for cool-season weeds. Once the garden begins to grow next spring, it will need maintenance like a normal garden, depending on the overall aesthetic and purpose of the garden.
“Wildflower gardens are growing in popularity among gardeners looking for ways to improve native ecosystems in urban areas while seeking to reduce the resources required to keep their gardens beautiful. This type of gardening lends itself to bringing some of Oklahoma’s natural heritage into the backyard and demonstrating the diversity of Oklahoma’s flora, â€Hillock said.