PL PACKET 07192005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Prairies, wetlands, woodlands, shorelines,.. Not all nature landscapes alike There is a native plant community for every site. extend the period of vulnerability, requiring some While Minnesota ecologists recognize 58 separate special measures such as: cover crops of oats or types, many have been greatly altered from their wheat,and/or light mulching with clean oat, wheat natural state and present serious challenges for or prairie straw. restoration ists. While the methods for restoring some sites may be obvious,other situations present High-traffic areas present special problems. unique challenges requiring special considerations. While native plantings are ecologically sound and require less mainte- In heavily shaded nance than turf, areas competition ---, _ they are not a good from tree roots `= _ �, _� solution in areas of presents a difficult ..= :-r: =,<r- =2 r, fig- heavy foot traffic. challenge, requiring A balance between woodland wildflow- turf areas and ers and other - `- natural areas works shade-tolerant best, the ratio being native plants. Prairie determined by grasses and flowers g - _ ��a =- �� = � individual needs, are sun-loving plants "''' ``L'' '" site constraints and that can adapt to design objectives. edge areas and the Generally,a higher partial shade of percentage of natural open woodlands but area works well on should not be used larger sites while in fully-shaded sites. small, residential In close proximity sites may be most to shallow-rooted successful when less trees like maple and than half the avail- basswood,deep- able area is natural. rooted prairie species are not the Designed areas right choice. often require ongoing However, they are maintenance to hold well suited to land- the desired patterns, scapes with scattered textures and colors deep-rooted oaks. of the design. While non-native In erodible areas ornamentals can be prairie grasses and Prairie smoke (Genum triflorum) seed heads in June. included in these wildflowers are an designs, native excellent solution. Deep root systems hold soil and plants provide an interesting, more natural, less low-maintenance prairie perennials provide ongoing intensively managed alternative. PRI does not use protection from water and wind. However,any non-native ornamentals in designed settings, but we planting on a steep area is vulnerable to washouts occasionally work with other contractors who do. and the slow top growth of prairie perennials may 6