Pricing and services

Choosing a suitable site:  The ideal conditions for creating a meadow are hot, dry, full sun, fields and slopes with southern exposure.  The further you deviate from those conditions, the higher the weed pressure and maintenance needs of a meadow.  Low, wet, areas along streams are the most difficult to establish and manage and should be avoided.  Riparian areas are more suitable for a rain garden than a meadow.  

Site Preparation Killing grass and/or existing vegetation can be done by either solarization or chemical application depending on site conditions, the time of year, the planting timeline desired and owner preference.  The planting areas will be over seeded with a native perennial seed mix that may also include annuals, such as clover, partridge pea, black eyed susan, and native grasses.  Pine straw will be used to hold soil and protect seeds and plants during germination and establishment.   If site preparation beyond the killing of grass is necessary (if aggressive weeds/bushes are present) there may be an additional cost based on labor required

 When a wildflower meadow is properly established & stabilized with native grasses, maintenance needs can be relatively low.   A meadow can be cut back (mowed or weed-wacked) once a year during mid summer to control height and/or at the beginning of a new growing season to prevent woody species from succeeding.  The weeding out of aggressive, invasive plants and non native grasses a couple of times each season is also likely necessary. 

More traditional style pollinator garden installation is also priced by the square foot and includes site prep, plant material, and one year maintenance.  The technique of layering mulch and cardboard is typically used to kill grass and existing vegetation if necessary.