Show Date: 25 Jan 12
…swaying in the breeze. Using native plants is good for the environment and good for our local growers, 2 of which I have in my Favorite Links tab. For ideas, and perhaps to buy, check out Praire Moon Nursery and Prairie Restoration.
Little Bluestem 'Blue Heaven' U of MN cultivar
‘Blue Heaven’s parents come from Benton County, Minnesota! This native is Big Bluestem and grows to 8 feet tall. You’ll likely recognize it!
Big Bluestem
And then there’s the short Side Oats Grama that grows to 16 inches tall and is great planted on steep hills as it holds the soil well.
Side-oats Grama
Once established, native grasses are carefree. There are other cold climate grasses that add 3 seasons of interest. If you get the chance, go to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and check out their ornamental grass collection. If you click on the link, you’ll find yourself at the U of MN’s Extension site gazing at the grasses! There’s a book called Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates written by M Hockenberry Meyer, a U of MN horticulture scientist.
