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These two meadows recreate the beauty of a natural field of wildflowers. The meadow closest to the Turf Demonstration displays those grasses and wildflowers common to the Great Basin Plains, which extends into Northeastern Arizona. The other meadow is a replica of wildflower meadows found at high elevations on the Colorado Plateau. T he site of a wildflower garden is dependent upon by the availability of sunlight and soil conditions. Wildflowers generally like full sun and soils with low fertility and good drainage.A wildflower meadow that begins with 15 or more species can end up with less than seven species in just a couple of years. The change in species will occur until stabilization has been reached by a group of dominant plants. This natural reduction in species is known as ecological succession.N ative and drought-tolerant perennial and annual species with colorful, numerous, or large flowers grow here. Grasses are an important component of wildflower meadows. Actually, most meadows are a matrix of grasses with wildflowers interspersed. The grasses generally predominate. Avoid using rhizomatous grasses, such as Kentucky blue grass, because they will take over the landscape.N ative species are well adapted to the harsh, environmental extremes of these open, unprotected meadows. Full sun dries out the soil quickly and the open exposure means these meadows experience the full extremes of high and low temperatures. Most native wildflowers typically wait until the monsoon rains before putting on their big show. Hence, selecting wildflowers and bunch grasses with attractive foliage is important for creating full season beauty.I n the fall, our meadows are mowed to a height of four to six inches. This simultaneously scatters ripened seed and adds a layer of organic mulch. Also, to improve or retain species diversity, ripe seed is collected and redistributed. Exposed meadows with well-drained soils can benefit from a light mulch in the fall to protect the plants, especially those recently established, from harsh winter conditions.
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Copyright © 2007 The Arboretum at Flagstaff
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