My name is Kris Winkler, and I will occasionally be doing articles for the Monroe Times. I have been a master gardener since 2004. It is a program in the University of Wisconsin-Extension. We all enjoy plants and gardening, and one of our main objectives is to educate others about gardening. We try to help find answers for gardening questions but do not always have the magic answer for everything! We as members are also constantly learning and trying new things.
As I am preparing this article, it is a typical chilly January day, not exactly gardening weather. I decided to do a short article about prairies.
A prairie is a French word for meadow. These open grassland areas are a special ecological system mostly consisting of grasses and wildflowers but not trees or shrubs. We all can envision large fields full of blooming colorful flowers and butterflies flitting from flower to flower.
In the past the prairies covered a vast area in the Midwest. Most have disappeared in the last 200 years, but there is a growing interest in preserving existing areas and restoring areas. In Wisconsin, prairies were located in the southern half of the state with the largest area in the southwest corner, including Green County.
Over time prairie plants have survived and adapted to climate changes and sometimes harsh conditions. Summers can be extremely hot and dry or can be wet. Winters can be very cold and have varying amounts of snow. Winds can also be harsh. Some plants can thrive on low fertility soil, and other plants can help add humus to the ground. Prairie plants have long, deep root systems and help hold soil to prevent erosion. Once established, most plants are low maintenance. Most importantly, prairies are homes to many animal species.
Many different animals live or have lived in the prairies. There are the large bison, deer and antelope; underground live a wide variety of rodents, badgers, snakes and reptiles; and in the sky are eagles, hawks and other prairie birds like bobolinks.
Insects like bees and butterflies are the most important "animals" in the prairie ecosystem. Many aid in the pollination of the plants. Each species of animal prefers a different diet and contributes to the food chain.
Many people are choosing to plant prairie areas. When choosing a site, it is required to select plants that match the site, whether the area is hot and dry or wet. Some areas may be prone to weed competition which will require additional work. The sizes of the area can vary. Small plots can be planted with plant seedlings. A medium-size area can be seeded by hand and raked preferably in May. If it is a large area ( 1/4 acre or more), the area will need to be cultivated several times the previous year before planting seeds. When purchasing plants or seeds, get them from a local source so they are best suited for the conditions. These plantings will require mowing several times a year for the first three years to help reduce weed completion. Controlled burns in the late winter or early spring can help every three to five years. Burning can help discourage weeds and remove excess vegetation.
Hope this information helps you to appreciate prairies you may see in the area.
The Green County Master Gardeners are sponsoring their annual symposium on March 10 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be several different speakers this year featuring straw bale gardening and also herbs. Pre-registration is encouraged. For information, stop at the Extension office located at the Justice Center or call 328-9440.
- Kris Winkler is a master gardener with the University of Wisconsin-Extension. She can be reached at schulte1@tds.net.
As I am preparing this article, it is a typical chilly January day, not exactly gardening weather. I decided to do a short article about prairies.
A prairie is a French word for meadow. These open grassland areas are a special ecological system mostly consisting of grasses and wildflowers but not trees or shrubs. We all can envision large fields full of blooming colorful flowers and butterflies flitting from flower to flower.
In the past the prairies covered a vast area in the Midwest. Most have disappeared in the last 200 years, but there is a growing interest in preserving existing areas and restoring areas. In Wisconsin, prairies were located in the southern half of the state with the largest area in the southwest corner, including Green County.
Over time prairie plants have survived and adapted to climate changes and sometimes harsh conditions. Summers can be extremely hot and dry or can be wet. Winters can be very cold and have varying amounts of snow. Winds can also be harsh. Some plants can thrive on low fertility soil, and other plants can help add humus to the ground. Prairie plants have long, deep root systems and help hold soil to prevent erosion. Once established, most plants are low maintenance. Most importantly, prairies are homes to many animal species.
Many different animals live or have lived in the prairies. There are the large bison, deer and antelope; underground live a wide variety of rodents, badgers, snakes and reptiles; and in the sky are eagles, hawks and other prairie birds like bobolinks.
Insects like bees and butterflies are the most important "animals" in the prairie ecosystem. Many aid in the pollination of the plants. Each species of animal prefers a different diet and contributes to the food chain.
Many people are choosing to plant prairie areas. When choosing a site, it is required to select plants that match the site, whether the area is hot and dry or wet. Some areas may be prone to weed competition which will require additional work. The sizes of the area can vary. Small plots can be planted with plant seedlings. A medium-size area can be seeded by hand and raked preferably in May. If it is a large area ( 1/4 acre or more), the area will need to be cultivated several times the previous year before planting seeds. When purchasing plants or seeds, get them from a local source so they are best suited for the conditions. These plantings will require mowing several times a year for the first three years to help reduce weed completion. Controlled burns in the late winter or early spring can help every three to five years. Burning can help discourage weeds and remove excess vegetation.
Hope this information helps you to appreciate prairies you may see in the area.
The Green County Master Gardeners are sponsoring their annual symposium on March 10 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be several different speakers this year featuring straw bale gardening and also herbs. Pre-registration is encouraged. For information, stop at the Extension office located at the Justice Center or call 328-9440.
- Kris Winkler is a master gardener with the University of Wisconsin-Extension. She can be reached at schulte1@tds.net.
