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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWorkshop - Prairie Grass.pdf REQUEST FOR PLANNI NG COMMISSION ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ The City That Soars! Description The Falcon Heights Environment Commission recommends adoption of an ordinance allowing and regulating varied landscaping s tyles in Falcon Heights, including prairie gardens, meadow gardens and rain gardens. Background Fairview Avenue resident Todd Miller has a pproached the City about converting part of his yard to a prairie garden. Because th e Falcon Heights city code does not address this kind of landscaping specifically (other than a restriction of grass height to six inches) and assumes that yards will be land scaped with traditional turf grass, and because there is potential for abuse and ne ighborhood disagreement with respect to non-traditional yards, staff suggested th at Mr. Miller look for support from the Environment Commission an d the City Council. The Environment Commission took up this discussion at the March, 2012, meeting, which Mr. Miller attended. In April, the Environment Commission developed a consensus to take an approach similar to th e City of Minnetonka’s ordinance: explicitly allowing these types of yards within limits, as long as they are well-maintained, but declining to impose an up-front permitting requirement as certain other cities have done. Environment Commissioners acknowledg ed that some public education would have to be undertaken by the ci ty if this ordinance is adopted. Based on the Commission’s changes to the Mi nnetonka model, the city attorney created a draft which was submitted to the City Council on May 9. The proposed ordinance provides a significant addition to Chapte r 54 Vegetation and removes parts of the nuisance and blight ordinance in Chapter 22 that would now be covered by the new sections in Chapter 54. The City Council had concerns about neig hborhood impacts from the proposed ordinance as written and decided to refer the matter to the Planning Commission for study and recommendation, with specia l attention to potential impacts on neighborhood character and implications for the comprehensive plan. Meeting Date May 22, 2012 Agenda Item Workshop Title Ordinance amending the Falcon Heights code to regulate natural landscaping. Submitted By Deborah Jones, Staff Liaison Budget Impact Unknown Attachment(s)  Falcon Heights City Code Chapter 54 Vegetation (existing)  Draft Ordinance 12-0_ regulating p rairie gardens and other natural landscaping.  City of Minnetonka original ordinance used as a model by the Environment Commission.  For comparison, native plant ordinance from the City of Golden Valley, which does require permitting for this type of landscaping.  “Establishing and Maintaining a Prai rie Garden” from the University of Minnesota Extension Service, provid ed for background information. Action(s) Requested  Discuss planning and zoning aspects of the proposed ordinance, especially possible neighborhood impacts and imp lications for the comprehensive plan  Provide feedback and recommendations to the City Council 163830v01 RNK:04/17/2012 1 ORDINANCE NO. 12-04 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 22 AND 54 OF THE CITY CODE CO NCERNING VEGETATION THE CITY COUNCIL OF FALC ON HEIGHTS ORDAINS: SECTION 1. Chapter 54 of the Falcon Heig hts City Code is amended by adding Section 54-41 to provide as follows: Sec. 54-41. Vegetation Maintenance. (1) Intent and Purpose. The city council finds that there are a variety of landscapes in the city that add diversity and richness to the quality of life. Certai n areas in the city have been left, or allowed to go, unmaintain ed. These have been accepted by the vast majority of the city residents as appropriate and as part of the un ique quality of life in this community. There are community ex pectations, however, that once an area has been disturbed, landscaped, or otherwise ma intained, that area will continue to be maintained in a consistent manner. When v egetation in that area is not continually maintained, it becomes aesthetically unp leasing and violates community standards. Property that appears neglected may decrease t he value of adjacent properties. In addition, if vegetation is not properly main tained, there may be the following adverse impacts on public health, safety, and welfare: a. undesirable vegetation such as common buckthorn, quackgrass, and other weeds may invade and threaten to suppl ant other more des irable vegetation; b. vegetation that causes allergic r eactions, such as ragweed, may develop; and c. tall vegetation along driveways and public roads may impair visibility when entering or exiting public roads. The city council also finds that it is in the public interest to allow citizens to choose the type of landscaping on their properties and to make changes in that vegetation. As a protection for the lar ger community, however, this change in vegetation must be properly managed and mainta ined and the length of the transition period must be minimized. 163830v01 RNK:04/17/2012 2 The council finds that the estab lishment of prairie and meadow plant communities is an acceptable landscape treatm ent in the city. This requires special consideration, however, because weeds will grow during the fi rst few years of transition before the new vegetation pr edominates and will appear like neglect. Therefore, the council finds that this type of vegetation is acceptable if it is properly maintained to shorten the transition per iod and if notice is giv en of the intended result. In contrast, the transition to trees and other woody species does not require special consideration because untended grass or weeds are not a necessary part of that transition period. Ra ther, the transition period is shortened by eliminating competition around the seedlings through such techniques as organic mulch. The city council enacts this section to bal ance the public interest in a variety of vegetation with the public need to ensure proper maintenance of that vegetation. The council finds that establishing a height limit ation for certain vegetation is in the best interest of the public health, safety, and we lfare as outlined abov e and is a reasonable maintenance standard. (2) Definitions. For purposes of this section the following words have the meanings specified below. a. “Meadow vegetation” is grasses and flowering broad-leaf plants that are native to, or adapted to, the state of Mi nnesota, and that are commonly found in meadow and prairie plant co mmunities, except weeds. b. “Noxious weeds” are those plants so designated by the state of Minnesota under Minn. Stat. § 18.171, subd. 5. c. “Regularly cut” means mowing or otherwise cutting the vegetation so that it does not exceed 6 inches in height. d. “Turf grasses” are grasses commonl y used in regularly cut lawn areas, such as bluegrass, fescue and rye grass blends, and non-woody vegetation interspersed with them. e. “Weeds” include all noxious weeds, buffalobur, burdock, common cocklebur, jimsonweed, quackgrass, common and giant r agweed, and velvetleaf. Weeds also include anything that is horticulturally out of place. For example, a tree seedling is a weed in a vegetable garden. A property owner may establish that a plant or plants are not horticulturally out of plac e by providing a written landscape plan to the City for the area in question, complete with a listing and lo cations of plant species. The plants specifically listed above may not be included within the land scape plan. Vegetation that does not comply with this plan are weeds. (3) Maintenance standard. The maintenan ce standard in this section applies to property that has been developed with a bui lding as defined in the building code, 163830v01 RNK:04/17/2012 3 including vacant property combined with developed property for tax purposes, and a parcel of property that has been completely or partially disturbed by demolition, grading or other means in pr eparation for developm ent or redevelopment. a. All turf grasses and weeds must not exceed a height of 6 inches, measured from the base at ground leve l to the tip of each stal k, stem, blade, or leaf. b. This requirement does not apply to the following: (1) a wetland or floodplain designat ed in the zoning ordinance and wetland buffers voluntarily created by a pr ivate land owner when compatible with the character of the neighborhood; (2) a drainage pond or ditch that stores or conveys stormwater; (3) an area in which the land an d vegetation appears not to have been graded, landscaped, mowed, or otherwise disturbed by human or mechanical means at any time. Determination of what constitutes this type of area will be based on a reasonable judgment of the present appearanc e of the area. The recent history of the area may be relevant to this determination; and (4) an area established with meadow vegetation if: (a) the prior vegetation is elim inated and the meadow vegetation is planted through transplanting or s eed by human or mechanical means; (b) the area is cut at least onc e per year to a height of no more than 6 inches; (c) a sign is posted on the property in a location likely to be seen by the public, advising that a meadow or prairie is being established. This sign is required only if the meadow vegetation is in an area likely to be seen by the public. This sign must be in addition to any sign permitted by the sign ordinance but must be no sma ller than ten inches square, no larger than one square foot, and no hi gher than three feet tall; and (d) the area is set back a minimu m of 10 feet from the street curb. (4) Declaration of public nuisance. The following are public nuisances subject to abatement under this chapter: a. noxious weeds; and b. vegetation that does not meet the maintenance standard specified in paragraph 3 above. 163830v01 RNK:04/17/2012 4 SECTION 2. Subsection 22-19, Subdivision 4 of the Falcon Heights City Code is amended to provide as follows: No owner agent or occupant of any premis es shall permit upon his or her premises fallen trees, dead trees, tree limbs or item s which are a fire hazard or otherwise detrimental to the health or appearance of the neighborhood. SECTION 3. Effective Date. This ordinance s hall take effect from and after its passage. ADOPTED this ______ day of _______________, 2012 , by the City Council of Falcon Heights, Minnesota. CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS BY: ______________________________ Peter Lindstrom, Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________________ Bart Fischer, City Administrator/Clerk Minnetonka Code of Ordinances 845.030. Special Provision s -Lawn Maintenance.1. Preamble. The city council finds that there are a variety of la ndscapes in the city that add diversity and a richness to the quality of life. Certain ar eas in the city have been left, or allowed to go,unmaintained. These have been accep ted by the vast majority of the ci ty residents as appropriate and as p art of the unique quality of life in this community. There ar e community expecta tions, however, that once an area has been disturbed, la ndscaped, or otherwise maintained, that area will continue to be maintained in a consistent manner. When vegetation in that area is not continually maintained, it b ecomes aesthetically unpleasing and violates community standards. Property that appears neglecte d may decrease the value of adjacent properties. In addition, if vege tation is not properly maintained,there may be the following adverse impa cts on public health, safety, and welfare: a. undesirable vege tation such as common buckthorn, quackgr ass, and other weeds may invade an d threaten to supplant other more desirable vegetation; b. vegetation that causes allergic reactions, such as ragweed, may develop; and c. tall vegetation along driveways and public roads may impair visibility when entering or exiting p ublic roads. The city council also finds that it is in th e public interest to allow ci tizens to choose the type o f landscaping on their properties and to make changes in that vegetation. As a protection for the large r community, however, this change in vegetation must be properly managed and maintained and the length of the transition period must be minimized. The council finds that the establishment of prairie and meadow plant communities is an acceptable landscape treatment in the city. This requires sp ecial consideration, however , because weeds will grow during the first few years of tran sition before the new vegetation pr edominates and will appear like neglect. Therefore, the council finds that this type of vegetation is a cceptable if it is properly maintaine d to shorten the transition period and if notice is given of the intended result. In contrast, the transiti on to trees and other woody species doe s not require special consideration b ecause untended grass or weeds are not a necessary part of that transi tion period. Rather, the transition p eriod is shortened by eliminating competition around the seedlings th rough such techniques as organic mulch. The city council enac ts this ordinance to balan ce the public interest in a va riety of vegetation with the p ublic need to ensure proper mainte nance of that vegetation. The counc il finds that establishing a height limitation for certain vegeta tion is in the best interest of the publ ic health, safety, a nd welfare as outline d above and is a reasonable maintenance standard.2. Definitions. For purposes of this section the following words have the meanings specified below. a. “Meadow vegetation”is grasses and flowering broa d-leaf plants that are na tive to, or adapted to, the state of Minnesota, and that are commonly found in meadow and prairie plant communities, except weeds. b. “Noxious weeds”are those p lants so desi g nated b y the state of Minnesota under Minn. Stat. §Page 1of 3 3 /12 /201 2 htt p ://www.amle g al.com/al p scri p ts/g et-content.as p x 18.171, subd. 5. c. “Regularly cut”means mowing or otherw ise cutting the vegetation so that it does not exceed 10 inches in height. d. “Turf grasses”are grasses commonly used in regularly cut lawn areas, such as bluegrass, fescue and rye grass blends, and non-woody ve getation interspersed with them. e. “Weeds”include all noxious w eeds, buffalobur, burdock, common cocklebur, crabgrass,dandelions, jimsonweed, quackgrass, common and gi ant ragweed, field sandbur, velvetleaf, and wil d sunflower. Weeds also include anyt hing that is horticultural ly out of place. For ex ample, a tree seedling is a weed in a vegetable garden. A property ow ner may establish that a plant or plants are not horticulturally out of place by pr oviding a written landscape plan for the area in question, complete with a listing and locations of plant sp ecies. The plants specifically lis ted above may not be included within the landscape plan. Vegetation that does not comply with th is plan are weeds.3. Maintenance standard. The maintenance standa rd in this section applie s to property that has been developed with a building as defi ned in the building c ode, including vacant pr operty combined with developed property for tax purposes, and a parcel of property that has been completely or partially disturbed by demolition, grading or other means in preparation for development or redevelopment. a. All turf grasses and weeds must not exceed a height of 10 inches , measured from the base at ground level to the tip of each stalk, stem, blade, or leaf. b. This requirement does not apply to the following: (1) a wetland or floodplain designa ted in the zoning ordinance an d required wetland buffers o r those voluntarily created by a private land owner when compat ible with the character of the neighborhood and the intent of the wetland ordinance, Section 300.23; (2) a drainage pond or ditch that stores or conveys stormwater; (3) a pasture that is (a) currentl y being used only for the exerci se or feeding of domestic hoofe d animals, (b) physically surrounded by a permanent fe nce that separates the pasture from property use d for other purposes, (c) at least one-half acre in size , and (d) undeveloped with any habitable buildings; (4) an area in which the land a nd vegetation appears not to ha ve been graded, landscaped,mowed, or otherwise disturbed by hum an or mechanical means at a ny time. Determination of what constitutes this type of area will be based on a reasonable judgment of the present appearance of the area. The recent history of the area may be relevant to this determination; and (5) an area established with m eadow vegetation if: (a) the prior vegetation is eliminated and the meadow vegetation is planted through transplanting or seed by human or mechanical means; (b) the area is cut at least once per year to a height of no more than 10 inches, if weeds cove r more than 25 percent of the area; and (c) a sign is posted on the pr operty in a location likely to be seen by the public, advising that Page 2of 3 3 /12 /201 2 htt p ://www.amle g al.com/al p scri p ts/g et-content.as p x a meadow or prairie is being esta blished. This sign is required only if the meadow vegetation is in an area likely to be seen by the publ ic. This sign must be in additi on to any sign perm itted by the sign ordinance but must be no smaller th an ten inches square, no larger than one square foot, and no highe r than three feet tall. The sign is no longer require d when weeds cover 25 percent or less of the area.4. Declaration of public nuisance. The follow ing are public nuisances subj ect to abatement under this chapter: a. noxious weeds; b. vegetation that does not meet the ma intenance standard specifie d in paragraph 3 above; and c. vegetation that violates the sight -distance standards in sect ion 300.15, subd. 9(e) and section 300.28, subd. 20 of this code.(Amended by Ord. #99-28, adopted November 8, 1999)Disclaimer:This Code of Ordinances and/or any other documents that appear on this site may not reflect the most current legislation adopte d by the Municipality. American Legal Publishing Corpor ation provides these documents for inform ational purposes only. These documents s hould not be relied upon as the definitive authority fo r local legislation. Additionally, the fo rmatting and pagination of the posted doc uments varies from the formatting and pagination of the official copy. The official printed copy of a Code of Ordinances should be consulted prior to any action being taken.For further information regarding the official version of any of this Code of Ordinances or other documents posted on this site , please contact the Municipality directly or contact Amer ican Legal Publishing toll-free at 800-445-5588.© 2011 American Legal Publishing Corporation techsupport@amlegal.com 1.800.445.5588 .Page 3of 3 3 /12 /201 2 htt p ://www.amle g al.com/al p scri p ts/g et-content.as p x S 10.51 Section 10.51: Lawn Maintenance Subdivision 1. Purpose The purpose of this Section is to establish minimum standards for lawn maintenance while recognizing that a variety of landscapes within a community adds diversity and richness to the quality of life for all residents. Turf grass lawns continue to be recognized as the dominant feature in the landscape; however,alternatives to this traditional type of lawn are recognized as important parts of a diverse and successful landscape.Subdivision 2. Definitions A. Maintenance Plan: A document submitted with an application for a Native Vegetation Permit demonstrating a precise course of maintenance for numerous individual plants in a landscape over months and seasons.B. Native Vegetation: Those indigenous trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses and other plants that have naturally adapted themselves to the climate and soils of the area but require cultivation and maintenance to remain viable.C. Native Vegetation Permit: A permit issued by the City pursuant to this Section allowing an owner or occupant to cultivate Native Vegetation upon his/her property, subject to the restrictions of this Section. A Native Vegetation Permit exempts an owner or occupant from Subdivision 3(C) of this Section.D. Natural Habitat: Specially uncultivated valued and sensitive habitat whereupon native vegetation exists in a pristine state and provides habitat for a variety of species native to the area. Such vegetation shall maintain itself in a stable condition with minimal human intervention.E. Noxious Weeds: An annual, biennial, or perennial plant designated by the MN Commissioner of Agriculture or the Council as injurious to public health,the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, or other property.F. Rank Vegetation: Uncultivated vegetation growing at a rapid rate due to unplanned, unintentional, or accidental circumstances.G. Turf Grass: Cultivated vegetation consisting of a highly maintained surface of dense grass underlain by a thick root system.H. Weeds: Unsuitable, unwanted, or uncultivated vegetation, often causing injury to the desired vegetation type.Golden Valley City Code Page 1 of4 9 10.51 Subdivision 3. General Requirements A. All lot areas not designated for buildings, pedestrian or vehicle, parking,recreation, and storage shall be provided with Turf Grass, Native Vegetation,or combined ground cover of cultivated vegetation, garden, hedges, trees,and shrubbery.B. No owner or occupant of any lot shall allow to grow any Noxious Weeds on any part or portion of said lot as designated by Minn. Stat. Sec. 18.78.C. No owner or occupant shall allow any Turf Grass, Weeds, Native Vegetation or Rank Vegetation to grow to a height greater than eight (8) inches on a majority of any lot or parcel of land.Subdivision 4. Exemptions A. Vacant Land. The owner of vacant and unoccupied land consisting of a contiguous tract of one (1) acre or more is exempt from Subdivision 3(C) of this Section, provided that Weeds, Turf Grass, Native Vegetation, and Rank Vegetation thereon are cut twice annually. The first cutting shall not be later than June 1, and the second cutting shall be made between July 15 and September 15.B. Natural Habitat.1. All private lands designated by the Council as Natural Habitat shall be exempt from Subdivision 3(C) of this Section.2. All public lands designated in the City's Comprehensive Plan as Natural Habitat shall be exempt from Subdivision 3(C) of this Section.C. Native Vegetation.1. Native Vegetation Permit. Upon satisfaction and completion of all the requirements of this Section, the City Manager or designee shall approve all applications for a Native Vegetation Permit and issue such permit. A Native Vegetation Permit shall grant any property owner or occupant so interested the ability to cultivate Native Vegetation on his/her property and exempt the owner and occupant from the requirements of Subdivision 3(C) of this Section. A Native Vegetation Permit shall be valid for five (5)years from the date of approval. The City Manager or designee shall approve no Native Vegetation Permit for any owner or occupant having unresolved City code violations or administrative citations.2. Application. The Application for a Native Vegetation Permit and Renewal Application, which shall be provided by the City Manager or designee shall contain the following:Golden Valley City Code Page 2 of 4 S 10.51 a. Statement of intent and purpose in cultivating Native Vegetation;b. Site plan showing lot lines, buildings, location of proposed Native Vegetation, the property's legal description, corner visibility requirements as defined by Section 7.04 of City Code, and right-of-way requirements as defined by Section 7.05 of City Code.c. Latin and common names of the species the property owner or occupant plans to cultivate;d. Maintenance requirements for said species;e. Name and address of a Professional Landscaping Company which has been hired to perform maintenance on the Native Vegetation; or the name, address, and qualifications of the person(s) who will be responsible for maintenance of the Native Vegetation.f. A Maintenance Plan, which shall contain the following:1.) Planting diagram showing the location and mature height of all specimens of Native Vegetation; and 2.) Detailed information on the upkeep of each specimen; and 3.) Details of any long-term maintenance required for the Native Vegetation.3. Revocation. The City Manager or designee may regularly inspect any property holding a Native Vegetation Permit for compliance with the Maintenance Plan on file with the City for the property. For any property out of compliance with the Maintenance Plan, the City Manager or designee shall give notice to the holder of the Native Vegetation Permit by US Mail stating that the property must be in compliance with the Maintenance Plan within thirty (30) days. Should that period pass without action by the holder of the Native Vegetation Permit, the City Manager or designee shall:a. Revoke the Native Vegetation Permit;b. Remove all improperly maintained Native Vegetation;c. Declare the property ineligible for a Native Vegetation Permit, unless sold, for a period of two (2) years; and d. Assess the property for all fees associated with inspection of the property and any removal of improperly maintained Native Vegetation in accordance with Subdivision 5 of this Section.Golden Valley City Code Page 3 of 4 9 10.51 Subdivision S. Violations A. On or before May 1 of each yearr the Clerk shall publish once in the official newspaper a notice directing owners and occupants of property within the City to remove all Turf Grassr Weedsr Noxious Weedsr Rank Vegetationr and Native Vegetation not covered by a Native Vegetation Permit exceeding eight 8) inches in height. Said notice shall state that if such vegetation is not removed within ten (10) days after publication of said noticer it may be removed by the Weed Inspector or his/her designee at the expense of the property owner which may be assessed against the property in accordance with Minn. Stat. Sec. 429.101.Source: Ordinance No. 324, 2nd Series Effective Date: 3-25-05 B. The Weed Inspector or his/her designee shallr seven (7) days prior to removing any Turf Grassr Weedsr Noxious Weedsr Rank Vegetationr or and Native Vegetation not covered by a Native Vegetation Permit send by U.S.Mail a letter notifying the property owner of the upcoming removal and stating that unless such is removed in accordance with this Sectionr such shall be removed and the costs of removal shall be assessed against the property in accordance with Minn. Stat. Sect. 429.101. Notwithstanding the foregoingr any failure of the Weed Inspector or his/her designee to send such a letter or for such a letter to be received by the property owner shall not make notice ineffective. For properties for which there have been two (2) or more notices issued within the prior twelve (12) month periodr a mailed notice is not required. For those propertiesr the second notice issued within a twelve (12) month period shall contain a general notice that the City may abate future violations without providing additional specific notice of violation.Source: Ordinance No. 407, 2nd Series Effective Date: 8-29-08 C. Property owners shall be notified by U.S. Mail immediately thereafter of any work performed and all administrative and removal work costs involved and that such will be assessed against the property. The Weed Inspector or his/her designee shall keep a record of all properties whereupon removal was necessary and the number of times it was necessarYr andr by October 1 of each yearr he/she shall give copies of such records to the Clerk to file as special assessments against each said property which shall become liens on such lots or lands. This shall be an additional remedy and not in lieu of any other penalty provided for in City Code or state law.Source: Ordinance No. 324, 2nd Series Effective Date: 3-25-05 Golden Valley City Code Page 4 of 4 Establishing and Maintaining a Prairie Garden John F. Kyhl, graduate student, Entomology Mary H. Meyer, assistant professor, Horticulture Vera A. Krischik, assistant professor, Entomology ©1998 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. NOTE: Figures only available in printed publication. Introduction Over the last 150 years more than 99% of the midwestern tallgrass prairies were converted to homesteads, agricultural fields , cities, and highways. In recent years, however, interest in prairies ha s soared, since people realized the beauty of native grasses and wildflowers. Much of the charm and appeal of prairies comes fr om wildflowers, such as coneflowers, prairie phlox, false indigo, and orchids. The great beauty of prairie wildflowers and grasses has prompted many pe ople to create prairie gardens in their landscapes. People find prairie ga rdens attractive, as do many t ypes of birds, butterflies, and other native wildlife. Over the years, prairie gardens may take less time and expense to maintain than conventional lawns, since th ey reduce the use of pe sticides, fertilizers, and mowing. Even though prairies aren't nativ e to all regions, they can be cr eated in most areas. Prairie management includes removal of weeds and vol unteer woody plants that compete with prairie plants for water, light, and space. Contents:  What is a prairie?  Planting a prairie garden o Site selection o Site preparation o Plant selection o Seeds vs. plants o Planting dates  Prairie maintenance  For further information  Sources of seeds, plants, and information for prairie plantings  Table 1: Prairie Wildflowers and Grasses Planting a prairie garden 1. Site selection: Prairie plants grow best in full sun and in open spaces. When selecting a site, look for areas with the maximum sun exposure with minimal root competition from trees. Ash, basswood, and maple trees provide more competit ion for prairie plants because they have many surface roots which compete for water an d nutrients. Prairie plants often are more compatible with bur or white oak. Knowing your soil type and surface drainage is quite important when selecting plants for your prairie. Native prairie soils vary great ly in composition, from dry, gravelly, sandy soils which hold little moisture to silty or h eavy clay soils that can hold excessive water. Standing water on a site or wate r that does not drain from a 1' deep hole within 24 hours are indicators of wet and poorly drained soils . Knowing the soil draina ge of your site is really more critical than taki ng a soil test which is typica lly done in planting a garden. Although you may have a soil test done, (soil test information is available from your county extension agent or from the Univ ersity of Minnesota soil testing labs *) it is not critical in establishing a su ccessful prairie garden. Unde rstanding the drainage and sun/shade exposure of your site is essential for selecting plants that thrive in your location. Determine if there are weed ordinances in your city. These ordinan ces were originally designed to keep yards more attractive and to control the spread of noxious weeds by keeping lawns cut to a certain height. Ordinances vary from one city to another, so call your city government to find out the sp ecifics on the weed ordinances in your community. Consider using some "elements of care" such as mowed eDGes, signs, bird houses, eDGing fences, etc., near your prairie to show the area is meant to be there. Also, prairies can be fire hazards during dry weather. Leave at least 20 feet of conventional lawn or noncombustible surface between the prairie and buildings or any other combustible items. 2. Site preparation: The first step in preparing the site for a pr airie garden is removing all existing vegetation. If you try to scatter seeds or put young plan ts into existing vegetation, you will have a very low likelihood of success. Maximize your success by reducing the existing plant competition. There are three commonly used procedures to establish a prairie in an existing lawn or area of other vegetation. The first method is to put a dark plastic sheet , tarp, or pieces of plywood over the grass for at least two months before you begin planting. This kills the grass, making it much easier to remove, although tough perennial weeds, such as thistles and quackgrass can survive. Once the vegeta tion is dead, till the area thoroughly. This method often works best when begun in the summer or fall to prepare for a spring planting. The second procedure is to turn the soil a nd cultivate the area every few weeks for a complete growing season. Turning the soil brings weed seeds to the surface, and cultivating kills the seeds that have germinat ed since the soil was last turned. Over time, many of the weed seeds present in the soil wi ll germinate and die. If possible, till to a depth of 12" or more and rake the ar ea to create a uniform fine seedbed. A third method, and probably the most comm on method of establishm ent, involves using a nonselective herbicide containing the active ingredient glyphosate, such as Round Up® or Kleenup®,to kill all existi ng vegetation. As with all herbic ides, be sure to read and follow all label directions. When the vegetati on has died in about two weeks, till to a depth of 12" or more. If a slit seeder will be used, tilling may be eliminated and the now dead vegetation can be mowed to a 1"- 2" st ubble. This dead mat of roots and sod may actually act as a mulch and pr event excessive weed growth. 3. Plant selection: Always select plants with the characteristic s of your particular site in mind, because plants vary in their tolerance of light and moisture. Include grasses because they provide physical support, weed competition, protection for wildflowers, and a source of food and shelter for birds during the winter. Prairies typically consist of 60% - 80% grasses. A brief list of common prairie plants can be found in Table 1 , For a more complete list see Minnesota Extension Service publication Plants in Prairie Communities (FO-3238). 4. Seeds vs. plants: You can start a prairie from seeds or plants; each has its own benefits. Starting from seed is more economical, but it will take two to five years for the plants to reach full size. Plants are more expensive, but establish qui ckly and may flower the first year. Also, some species are available only as live plan ts. You can control placement of plants, and they can easily be planted anytime from sp ring through fall. "Prairie-in-a-can" mixes are available from a wide variety of sources, but often contain margin ally hardy perennial and annual species that don't return in subse quent years. Better results may be achieved by using seed mixes created for your area by local seed dealers. Be sure that any seeds you purchase are packaged for th e year that you will sow them. 5. Planting dates: The best time to direct sow seeds outdoors is after frost and before the heat of summer. For example, in central Minnesota this is between May 20th and June 20th, although seeds can be sown as soon as the soil can be worked. Dormant seeding in the fall, between mid-October and freezing, is another option. Even seed distribution and good seed-to-soil contact are vital for successful seed germination. Broadcast seed by hand or use a spreader. For small seeds, mix with a bulking agent such as clean sand or dry sawdus t for a more uniform seeding. Seed slowly and make passes from two different directions to cover the area comp letely. Flower seed can be concentrated in high-priority areas or spread evenly throughout the site. Many seeds are very small and should be spread thin ly to achieve the best results. Seeding rates vary due to seed size and germination. As a general rule, use 1/2 l b. of grass seed per 1000 square feet, and 2 ounces of wildflower seed per 1000 square feet. ore specific instructions on seeding rate s can be obtained from the information provided when purchasing seeds. Watering after seeding improves germination, but is not essential. Covering with a thin mulch of clean, weed-free st raw prevents drying out, re duces exposure to wind and animals, and is important in preventing erosi on on slopes. Grouping se veral plants of the same species together can make a showy di splay and can increase pollination and seed set. Prairie Maintenance Your biggest task in the first fe w years of a prairie planting is weed control . Weeding, burning, and mowing are the most effective ways to control weeds. In small areas, removing and cutting back weeds are the most efficient methods. The most challenging aspect of these tasks is di stinguishing between prai rie plants and weeds. If you aren't sure what a seedling is, wait a week and look again, but be sure to remove the suspected weeds before they flower a nd set seed. See references for obtaining the slide set, Prairie Seeds and Seed ling Identification (EP-6725). The best way to manage a large prairie is through the use of controlled burns. Fire promotes plant growth by keeping down competition from trees and weeds, and by recycling nutrients. Burning is not practical or possible in all situations, as in small lots or within the city limits. Check with your local fire department to see if burning is allowed, and to get the required permits. Burning in Ap ril or early May is most advantageous to warm-season prairie plants, because it reduces competition with weeds and the soil heats up more quickly. Most prairi es have only portions burned yearly in a cycle where complete burning takes several years. Th is partial burning fo sters survival of overwintering insects that are lying dormant in th e form of eggs or cocoons. It also leaves food and shelter for birds. Though burning is qu ite effective, it is not recommended until at least the third year after planting. Mowing and removing clippings is a good subst itute for burning, particularly on smaller sites. If you start a prairie from seed, mowi ng is recommended during the first year to control weeds which grow more quickly than prairie plants. For the first few years, set the mower high (4" to 8") to avoid cutting desi rable prairie plants. After 4 or 5 years, mowing once a year after the seeds have fallen, or preferably, in the early spring. Remove clippings to expose crowns for regrowth. Prairie usually needs no herbicides, insecticid es, or fertilizers. De nse prairie vegetation will discourage invading weeds although perenn ial grasses from adjacent turf can invade along the edges of the planting. The wildflowers will provide food for beneficial insects which will aid in controlling pest insect populations. For additional help in establishing and maintaining your prairie, c onsult the references below as well as private landscaping compan ies and, in some midwestern states, the Department of Transportation. For your own en joyment, take photos from of same spot, on the same dates, several times a year, for several years. This will show you how far your prairie garden has progressed. Note how it changes through the year, including new and different creatures that your garden has at tracted. Don't be surprised to see butterflies and native birds like goldfinches. Enjoy the bene fits of restoring part of the landscape to what it was not so long ago. For further information Art, H. 1991. The Wildflower Gardener's Guide: Midwest, Great Plains, and Canadian prairies edition . Garden Way Publishing: Stor y Communications, Pownal, Vt. Bohnen, J., and A. Hanchek. 1996. Prairie Seeds and Seed ling Identification . MES Slide Set, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn. Daniels, S. 1995. The Wild Lawn Handbook: alterna tives to the traditional lawn . MacMillan Co., N.Y. Henderson, C.L. 1987. Landscaping for Wildlife . Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. St. Paul, Minn. Madson, J., and F. Oberle. 1993. Tallgrass Prairie . Falcon Press Publishing Company, Inc. Helena, Mont. Moyle J., and E. Moyle. 1977. Northern Wildflowers, a guide to the Minnesota Region . University of Minnesota Press. Minneapolis, Minn. Peterson, R. T., and M. McKenny. 1968. A Field Guide to Wildflowers , Northeastern/North Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Mass. Robison, R., D. B.White and M. H. Meyer. 1995. Plants in Prairie Communities . FO-3238. Minnesota Extension Service, Univ ersity of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn. Rock, H. 1971. Prairie Propagation Handbook . Wehr Nature Center, 5879 S. 92nd, St. Hales Corners, Wis. Runkel, S. T., and D. M. Roosa. 1989. Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie . Iowa State University. Ames, Ia. Shirley, S. 1994. Restoring the Tallgrass Prairie; an illustrated manual for Iowa and the Upper Midwest . University of Iowa Press, Iowa City, Ia. Smith, J. R., and B. Smith. 1980. The Prairie Garden: 70 Native Plants You Can Grow in Town or Country . The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, Wis. Smith, W. 1993. Orchids of Minnesota . Department of Natural Resources. St. Paul, Minn. Van Breuggen, T. 1992. Wildflowers, grasses, and other pl ants of the Northern Plains and Black Hills , 4th edition. Fenske Printing Company, Rapid City, S. Dak. Vance, F. R., J. L. Jowsey, and J. S. McLean. 1984. Wildflowers of the Northern Great Plains . University of Minnesota Press, St. Paul, Minn. Weaver, J. E. 1954. The North American Prairie . Johnsen Publishing Company, Lincoln, Neb. Wilson, J. 1992. Landscaping with Wildflowers . Houghton Mifflin Co., N.Y. Table 1. Prarie wildflowers and grasses. Name flower color flowering date height wild lupine (Lupinus perennis ) blue May - June 1-2' purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ) purple June - Sept. 2-4' meadow blazing star (Liatris pycnostachya ) purple Aug. - Sept. 2-4' prairie phlox (Phlox pilosa ) pink/purple May - July 1-3' blue false indigo (Baptisia australis ) tralis) blue June - July 2-5' butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa ) orange-red July - Aug. 1-2' black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta ) yellow July - Aug. 2-3' grey-headed coneflower (Ratibida pinnata ) yellow July - Sept. 3-6' large-flowered beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus ) pink/purple May - June 2-3' hoary puccoon (Lithospermum canescens ) orange May - June 1-2' big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ) bronze; bluish stems Aug. - Sept. 3-8' little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium ) white; bluish stems Aug. - Sept. 2-4' sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula ) orange-purple July - Sept. 1-3' Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans ) golden-brown Aug. - Sept. 3-6' * Contact the University of Minnesota soil testing labs by phone at 612-625-3101, or by mail at 1529 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108.