 Meadow Blazingstar |
Native Landscaping... An Alternative to |
| "What is Native
Landscaping" Native landscaping refers to the design, construction, and maintenance of landscapes that use native (indigenous) plants. Native plants are the plants that historically grew in an area prior to the arrival of European settlers. Because these plants have been growing and evolving in the same geographical area for as long as tens of thousands of years they are extremely well adapted to local soil types, light conditions, weather patterns, insects, diseases, and animals. Their high level of adaptation makes them ideal species for low input, low maintenance landscapes. Because native landscaping uses plants adapted to local growing conditions, the species selected vary with geographical location. Thus, native landscaping along the north shore of Lake Superior uses different species and has a different character than a native planting along the south shore of Lake Michigan. This geographical range resulting in the need to create favorable growing conditions by fertilizing, watering, and spraying pesticides. Native landscaping often, but not always, tries to recreate plant communities such as wetlands, woodlands, prairies, or savannas. |
"What Are The
Benefits of Native Landscaping" Landscaping in the likeness of nature brings many benefits; ° Native plants have adapted to the region, so they require little maintenance or watering once established ° Improves wildlife species diversity ° Improves habitat for butterflies and moths ° Improves habitat for reptiles and amphibians ° Improves food and shelter for wildlife ° Reduction in lawn maintenance and mowing ° Reduction in seed costs because most species are perennial or self-seeding biannual plants ° Reduction in herbicide/pesticide use ° Prevents soil erosion ° Improves storm water management and water quality ° Biologically diverse surroundings are more aesthetically pleasing |
| How to Get Started Familiarize yourself with the environmental conditions of your site. The following factors contribute to a successful planting; • Light conditions • Soil type (the most important) • Water drainage • Topography • Other vegetation • Pedestrian and wildlife traffic |
 Rattlesnake Master |
Site Preparation and Planting
Spring Planting March -June 15
• Mark
the dimension of the site,
• Eliminate existing vegetation with either herbicide or mulch. It may take
several months to eliminate all weeds. March-April
• Incorporate organic material into soil if needed (will aide in soil fertility
and water retention) March-April
• Apply seeds to firm bed and lightly rake in seeds. Late March to Mid-May
• Mow as high as possible to control weeds the first year.
• Water in the same fashion as traditional landscape plantings.
• Avoid tall grasses and flowers on smaller sites
• For more planting information, request a catalog from one of the prairie
nurseries listed on the following panel.
Canadian Milk Vetch
Fall Planting October - November
15
Follow the same directions as above.
Where to Get Native Seed
Local nurseries can provide a variety of native trees and
shrubs:
• The Bruce Co. 608-836-7041
•
Jungs 608-249-8120
• Hermans Landscape 608-288-9400
• Specialized native seed nurseries can also provide diverse local seed sources;
Local Ecotype Seed Nurseries:
• Prairie Moon Nursery 507-452-1362
www.prairiemoonnursery.com
• Prairie
Nursery 800-476-9453
www.prairienursery.com
Fax: 608-296-2741
• Prairie Ridge Nursery 608-437-5245
Fax: 608-437-8982
• Taylor Creek Nursery 608-897-8641
www.appliedeco.com/tcrn/
•
Agrecol 608-608-226-2544
www.agrecol.com
• Natural Habitat Nursery 4818 Terminal Rd.
McFarland, WI 53558
• Local consulting and installation services are also available
Consulting and installation:
• Applied Ecological
Services 608-897-8641
www.appliedeco.com
• Biologic Environmental Consulting 608-277-9960
biologic@chorus.net
• Prairie Moon
Nursery 507-452-1362
www.prairiemoonnursery.com
Prairie Spiderwort
After Planting...
What to Expect
• Be Patient! It may take 3-5 years for your native
landscape to
become fully established.
• During this period, mulching, weeding, and watering may be
required.
• Periodic prescribed burns every 2-4 years will aid in eliminating
weeds.
• Once established, a native landscape can maintain itself with little
or no routine maintenance.
Sample List of Native Species
|
MIDDLETON FIRE DISTRICT
REGULATIONS
5.08 (2) No person shall
burn or cause to be burned any leaves,
grass, wood, rubbish or other combustible material on any lot or
parcel of land in any district within the City at any time with out a
burning permit. The provisions of this subsection, however, shall not
apply to the burning of charcoal or similar substances outdoors in
vessels designed for cooking purposes only, when such burning does not
constitute a fire hazard.
5.08 (5) Burning permits shall be issued by the fire department,
when such permits are granted, they will be based upon atmospheric
conditions, local circumstances, property line or structural setbacks
that might make the fires hazardous. Persons utilizing and
maintaining outdoor fires shall be responsible for monitoring these
conditions, and shall be responsible for any liability resulting from
damage caused by the fire.
1. Permits shall be obtained prior to
burning. Contact
The Middleton Fire Department at 827-1090.
2. Provide at least a 5-foot- buffer to combustible
structure(s) such as dwellings, sheds etc.
3. Fire protection equipment shall be utilized to prevent
spread of fire. Items such as garden hoses hooked to
municipal supply, water fire fighting packs, shovels,
rakes or brooms.
4. Burning shall be constantly attended and supervised
by a competent person at least 18 years of age until
such fire is completely extinguished.
5. Burning shall only be permitted between 7 am and 1/2
hour prior to sunset.
6. Smoke shall not cause discomfort to neighbors or
area residents. Such complaints will be grounds for
revocation or denial of permits. Smoke from burning
shall not obstruct any public thoroughfare.
7. Brush piles will not be allowed be be burned. The City
of Middleton provides curbside pickup.
8. Burning Permits will only be granted for native
landscaping projects following City of Middleton
Public Land Practices.
9. Once the Burning Permit has been granted, the person
conducting the burn must notify the Middleton Police
Department (827-1000) prior to burning and when they
are finished.
• For more information, we
recommend purchasing the booklet
"How To Manage Small Prairie Fires",
by Wayne R. Pauly, available at;
The Dane Co. Parks Department
4318 Robertson Rd.
Madison, WI 53703