A PRAIRIE GARDEN
by Carole Schwalm

Sunshine, flower sweetness - that was peace. Every detail was a joy

A prairie garden is similar to the cottage garden but it uses more grasses. While we might love to accomplish this garden in one season, unless we have mega-cash on hand, we can begin with a small space and do a bit at a time: a work in progress as most gardens are. The good news is that many plants are self-sown naturally.

If your available garden space is as small as your wallet, you still can create the effect, even in containers. In this light, use more flowers, because lots of grasses require growing room. If water costs or availability are a factor: use native wildflowers in either case.

If working from seed, plant between April and June or in the fall until frost. Cover with straw and water regularly. You may find fall plantings are more successful than in the spring.

If on a small budget, you can start with a small space and expand a little at a time. Vary grasses with wildflowers. With a very small area use more flowers because grasses can overwhelm the space. Be prepared to be patient. It takes several years for the garden to mature, but worth the wait.