WILD ABOUT WILDFLOWERS.......
You know what they say, "one persons wildflowers is another persons weeds". When planted in landscaping correctly, wildflowers can be a beautiful asset to your lawn. Here are some "ground" rules to planting a wonderful wildflower garden. Remember, wildflower seed planted improperly becomes bird seed...
September is the best time to plant wildflower seeds. Be sure to select fresh seeds from this years crop. One of the largest wildflower seed companies in the country is right in nearby Fredericksburg Texas. Wildseed Farms, just 7 miles east of Fredericksgurg, is a great source for fresh wildflower seeds, not to mention, a beautiful place to visit. Did you know that bluebonnets & bluebells are available in transplants? "Why no, Larry, I didnot know that".....thats why I'm here.
The first year you start your wildflower garden be sure to select a wildflower seed mix with appx. 20 species. Seeing which seed survives determines what should be reseeded next fall. Seeding rate should be 1 lb per 2000 sq. ft. for the best "color" result. You must have good soil to seed contact so you know what that means...you guessed it, till the soil.
You'll want to mix your seed with sand. ! part seed to 4 parts sand is a good mixture. A hand spreader works best to spread sand and seed mix evenly. Be sure seed falls onto soil no more than 1/2 in. deep.Tamp the seed down with a roller to obtain good soil contact. Once seed is applied, water lightly once to stabilize seed. After that normal rainfall should be enough to germinate seed. In the event of a drought, water lightly once a week. Be sure to pull weeds that may appear during the winter. Make sure they are weeds and not seedlings. Than just sit back, drink a glass of tea, and wait for the blooms to appear hen spring gets here. Reseeding is easy, just mow. Wait until June or July and mow the wildflower area. Be sure to record which wildflower seeds did well, and which didnt, than you can reseed the seeds that did do well.
BLUEBONNETS.......
There are six species of bluebonnets native to Texas, all of which are considered the state flower. Be sure to purchase abrasion or acid treated seeds to ensure germination within 10 days. Do not over water bluebonnet seeds. Normal rainfall is enough. You may apply a light watering if your soil becomes dry. Bluebonnets love the sun so be sure to plant seeds in a sunny area where the soil is well drained. Remove dead blooms when they dry to cause the blooming period to last longer. Do not fertilize bluebonnets. Bluebonnets fertilize themselves through a process called nitrogen fixation, a organic bacterial process.
Bluebonnets come in a variety of colors. There's blue (of course) and there's sky blue. They also come in pink and white varieties as well as lavender. Maroon is also available but none can be found in burnt orange.....I'm just saying. All of these colors are considered the state flower of Texas and contrary to popular belief, it is not illegal to pick bluebonnets, though I dont know why anybody would want to.
So, now you have the basic ABC's of wildflowers. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at lonestarlandscaping@hotmail.com. Happy planting. See ya next month.
Larry Doran Lone Star Landscaping Ph. 830-792-6294 Ps. 18:30
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