1 acre lot - Ask Extension
We have a 1 acre lot , behind our house and several neighbors houses. We would like to plant low growing vegetation or flowers , easy to maintain, no...
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1 acre lot #562224
Asked May 17, 2019, 3:47 PM EDT
We have a 1 acre lot , behind our house and several neighbors houses. We would like to plant low growing vegetation or flowers , easy to maintain, not to costly to get started or keep up, and not block views of the ponds behind. We do not want to mow since the field is quite rough to ride over.
We also would need help finding someone with equipment to get the field ready and seeds planted .
We have seen areas on the side of the interstate planted for bee and butterfly habitats and think something like that might be nice we are open to other ideas or suggestions.
Thank you!
Emily and Bud Jennings
Franklin County Kentucky
Expert Response
Hello. Thank you for your question. Please contact the Franklin County Extension Offi ce for assistance. I have included the contact information below.
Adam Leonberger
Adam Leonberger
Extension Agent
Horticulture
phone: <personal data hidden>
fax: <personal data hidden>
Mrs and Mr. Jennings,
If I'm understanding correctly the lot is yours, but runs behind your neighbors houses as well and are looking for suggestion on planting a pollinator habitat/ prairie garden. Long-term native wildflowers, grasses, and sedges will require the least amount of maintenance, but can be costly to get started depending on how the area is planted (seed vs plugs vs potted plants). Seeding is the most cost effective. The first year or two will require regular mowing (4-6" high) to control weeds while the seedlings grow and establish. Once established, it would require annual mowing in the early spring.
Additional details on pollinator gardens can be found in Clemson's publication: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/pollinator-gardening/
Additional details on establishing prairie https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/planting-and-maintaining-prairie-garden#how-to-plant--1644214
For help getting the field ready and planted, a landscaping firm would be the best bet for a residential project. There are several in the area that have installed native plantings. I would suggest getting quotes from at least 3 firms to compare the costs.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me through this site, by email, or phone.
If I'm understanding correctly the lot is yours, but runs behind your neighbors houses as well and are looking for suggestion on planting a pollinator habitat/ prairie garden. Long-term native wildflowers, grasses, and sedges will require the least amount of maintenance, but can be costly to get started depending on how the area is planted (seed vs plugs vs potted plants). Seeding is the most cost effective. The first year or two will require regular mowing (4-6" high) to control weeds while the seedlings grow and establish. Once established, it would require annual mowing in the early spring.
Additional details on pollinator gardens can be found in Clemson's publication: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/pollinator-gardening/
Additional details on establishing prairie https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/planting-and-maintaining-prairie-garden#how-to-plant--1644214
For help getting the field ready and planted, a landscaping firm would be the best bet for a residential project. There are several in the area that have installed native plantings. I would suggest getting quotes from at least 3 firms to compare the costs.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me through this site, by email, or phone.
