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Learn to design a small prairie Saturday at PWLC [UPDATED]
Published 9:22am Tuesday, January 29, 2013 Updated 11:24am Tuesday, January 29, 2013Learn how to design a Small Prairie with Ecology and Beauty in Mind from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Feb. 2 at the PWLC
Small prairie landscapes planted on city lots, suburban properties or rural estates can be functional, environmentally friendly and beautiful. This free workshop will help get you started.
The workshop is divided into two sections: Lecture, discussion and graphic presentation (one hour)
Topics:
• Basic design principles
• Ecological and aesthetic
• Preparing a design
• Selecting plants
• Preparing the site for planting
• Planting
• Maintenance
• Designing a small prairie (2 hours)
Design project :
Participants design and select plants for a small prairie they are interested in planting on their property. Class instructor Craig Johnson, Professor Emeritus, will offer assistance and advice during the design process.
Participants are asked to bring a map (plan) of the area they want to plant, drawn to scale.
For planting areas of 2,000 square feet or less use a scale of one quarter of an inch =1 foot or 1 inch = 4 feet, for larger areas use a scale of one eight of an inch =1 foot or 1 inch = 10 feet. Indicate the direction of north on the map and estimate the percent of slope (if any) across the planting area.
Also add a note that describes the general characteristics of the soil ex. sandy, sandy loam, clay etc.
If you have photos of the planting area and adjunct buildings, (if any) bring them along.
It will also be helpful for you to make a few notes about what you would like your prairie to look like.
All this information will be used to create a prairie landscape that meets your needs.
Drawing materials and rulers will be provided. Handouts will include plant lists, plants for humming birds and butterflies and a list of useful references.
