A wIldflower Garden DOESN ' T HAVE TO BE AN OVERGROWN MASS OF SCATTERED FLOWERS .
Another option is to smother the turf with weed-suppressing fabric . This is one of the easier methods , although it does take some time before the grass dies . You can also use newspapers that will break down over time and are more environmentally friendly . The fabric or newspaper blocks out the sunlight and can even help bake the grass on hot , summer days , speeding up the process . After a week or so the fabric can be removed , and you should be left with a relatively grass- and weed-free space .
Think Native
The most common question posed when creating a pollinator or wildflower garden is “ what do I plant ?” This depends largely on what you want to attract and which region you live in . If attracting monarch butterflies is your goal , then native milkweed is a must . Adult monarchs will lay their eggs there and the caterpillars will feed on the milky white sap . Adult monarchs will also feed on their nectar-producing flowers . There are numerous varieties of milkweed so try to choose one or more that is native to your region and can thrive in the environment it ’ s being planted in . Butterfly bushes are another must-have . Their large , purple , tapered flowers will bring all types of local butterflies and bees to your garden . I also recommend lavender and echinacea . They both flower for long periods of time and are visually pleasing . When choosing your flowers try to choose ones that are native to your region to best mimic a natural environment for the pollinators you wish to attract . Also consider when these plants produce their flowers . Choosing a variety of plants that flower at different times throughout the season will ensure that the butterflies , moths , and bees you are hoping to attract will have a readily available and reliable source of food . If you are hoping to attract birds to your natural garden , plant small , fruit-bearing shrubs . Rose bushes are a favorite . The flowers will provide nectar to pollinators , the rose hips will offer food to the birds in the autumn and winter , while the shrubs themselves offer cover from predators . Ornamental sage is another good choice . The goldfinches in my garden choose their seeds over the birdseed in my feeders . I have personally used various ground cover plants to fill in areas of my lawn . Plants like clover ( so many varieties ), and creeping thymes are beautiful and hardy . They can be tread on and still bounce back , and are great for bees . For a helpful guide on choosing native plants from your region of the U . S . visit nwf . org and use their native plant finder . Going to your local garden center and talking to their resident experts can help guide you in the right direction .
32 Maximum Yield