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<strong>Siouxland</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | Explore / 58<br />
Are you convinced native plants make a lot of<br />
sense? Here’s what to do next.<br />
Take a Look Around<br />
Go outside, stand in your yard, and look around. Do<br />
you have a problem area (one that’s too wet, too dry,<br />
has poor soil)? Do you have a corner of lawn you really<br />
hate to mow? Do you want a neatly kept garden or one<br />
that’s a little more wild? Does the space get full sun, or<br />
is it a bit shady? Answering these questions will guide<br />
you in choosing what species are suitable and whether<br />
you want to start from seed or with plants.<br />
Do some research<br />
• Visit the sites listed in the “Resources” section.<br />
• Follow the Loess Hills Wild Ones and other prairie or<br />
native plant groups on Facebook.<br />
• Attend programs hosted by the Wild Ones and other<br />
local environmental organizations.<br />
• Ask questions!<br />
Think Local<br />
Though seeds and plants are available online, start<br />
locally. Some organizations and landowners collect<br />
and share seeds; the collected seed is often donated<br />
to restore other area prairies. Loess Hills Wild Ones<br />
hosts a seed exchanges and a class on how to start<br />
seeds in early winter.<br />
The Loess Hills Wild Ones sells native plants carefully<br />
selected for the <strong>Siouxland</strong> area every spring; details will<br />
be available next March. You can also purchase plants<br />
from native plant nurseries such as The Prairie Flower<br />
(1760 290th St, Spencer, Iowa) or online from Prairie<br />
Moon or The Prairie Nursery.<br />
Tips to Get You Started on Natives<br />
• Start small – you can add more over the years.<br />
• Clear the space of plants and grass, but don’t till.<br />
• Follow plant spacing directions. They may look<br />
sparse the first year or two as the plants build their<br />
root systems, but will fill out in time.<br />
• Mulch will help retain moisture, keep weeds at<br />
bay and make weeds easier to identify and pull.<br />
• Plan to water your new plants during dry spells for<br />
the first year, but they will need little additional<br />
moisture after that.<br />
• Wildlife will munch on some plants. Plan to protect<br />
seedlings, or look for species that are resistant.
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