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Best native Wildflowers for Ohio #860260

Asked March 01, 2024, 4:19 PM EST

Hello! I am moving to Ohio shortly and we will have a good bit of land. I would like to convert some of the lawn for native insect use, primarily flowers. I would prefer the plants to be spreading perennial and self-seeding annuals. What are your top recommendations? Also, do you have any research on the best shape for this landscaping as it expands? Ie, narrow strip vs wider circle/square? Thanks

Jefferson County Ohio

Expert Response

Good morning Elizabeth.

     In order to better address your question , may I ask where in Ohio are you moving? This may seem an unusual question , but, it can help with addressing your question. 

     First I would refer you a local nursery provider as well as a local extension agent  who would have knowledge of the local area, in as much as hilly or flat ground, water sources and so on. They can also assist in the planning process also and advise in the use of native plants, grasses and so on. 

     Is there an existing home or buildings on the property and if it is wooded or open ground. Also what is the proximity to the house ? Also how much land will you have and will you have water available as the area increases in size. 

     When it comes to the shape of the garden. Curves and walkways can add to the depth of the garden without adding size. 

     I look forward to hearing back with your reply and being able to assist you in a successful landscape

Dennis Mohn Replied March 02, 2024, 9:51 AM EST
Thanks for your reply! Sorry I have been slow to respond. 

Things changed w the house in terms of total available land but here is the lay of the land:

-Sun: mid morning thru early evening as trees are on east side and house is on west side. However, .25 acre lot is long so it gets enough sun that I would describe it as tree-bordered meadowlike conditions. 

-soil: suburban lot so needs repair, but drainage is good and existing grass appears healthy, not patchy

-location: suburban Steubenville, OH

-timing: we won't get there until June 1

We will be using the sunniest section for backyard garden but I would like the landscape the rest of the lot w a native grass/flower mix. I can do more shade tolerant stuff in places as I know Ohio is natively more wooded than my home state. 

I would prefer drought tolerant or happy with a rain creek. Water shouldn't be a limiting g factor but it is not a shady lot. North side of the lot is an open neighboring yard, South side is woods. 

Tia for your help! Would love any seed sources or nurseries you can recommend as well. 

Lizzie

On Sat, Mar 2, 2024, 9:51 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied March 12, 2024, 3:09 PM EDT

Hello once again Lizzie,

     I believe the best thing I could do to assist you would be to refer you to a couple services local to you. They would be better able to help with developing your plan for the gardens. 

     I am also going to provide the contact information for your local extension service since they would be able to provide information on your local soils and native plants. 

     For suggestions on seed I would suggest quality suppliers such as Johnny's or Jung Seed as well as OPN , Ohio Native Plants. 

     The links below may be helpful.

http://www.bowerscape.com/

https://www.coenlandscaping.com/

https://ohio-valley-landscaping.

https://www.jungseed.com/

https://www.johnnyseeds.com/

https://www.opnseed.com/

Dennis Mohn Replied March 14, 2024, 9:43 AM EDT

Hello Lizzie,

 I need to enclose the contact information for the local Jefferson County Extension service . they may be able to help with soil test and more local information as well as personal contact. 

https://extension.osu.edu/jefferson-county-office

Dennis Mohn Replied March 14, 2024, 10:07 AM EDT

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