If you like the look of long grass, try a sedge. It's native, looks nice, and you can find a variety that grows in those conditions. If some spreads to the neighbor's yard, it will just get mown down.
this post was submitted on 21 Nov 2023
14 points (100.0% liked)
Native Plant Gardening
927 readers
1 users here now
Why native plants?
According to the The National Audubon Society:
Restoring native plant habitat is vital to preserving biodiversity. By creating a native plant garden, each patch of habitat becomes part of a collective effort to nurture and sustain the living landscape for birds and other animals.
What our community is about—
This community is for everyone who is interested in planting native species in their garden. Come here for discussions, questions, and sharing of ideas/photos.
Rules:
- Don't be a jerk.
- Don't spam.
- Stay on topic.
- Specify your region in the post title. This is a global community, so designating your region is important.
More for you to explore—
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
Land mines.
Landmines?
Depending on the neighbor, I guess.
Land mines.
Sisyrinchium albidum?
Oh that is very pretty! I'm worried my area might be too dry for this plant. Only way to find out is to try it!
I like the sedge idea, but maybe mix in joe-pye weed for some color and maybe butterfly action and new jersey tea (ceanothua americanus) for a low maintenance shrubbery and more butterflies. The shrubs may need some pruning to stay narrow, but probably a twice-yearly thing, they aren't crazy.
Oh I see there's some dwarf Joe Pye that would look great with sedge! Maybe some milkweed also?
For sure!
We have a small strip between our garage and ally that is similar size so we don't have to deal with spread. We have done lots of different flowers from Prairie Moon. We have brown eyed susans, purple prairie clover, partridge pea, smooth asters, pussie toes. Most we just planted so we will see how it looks in a few years when they are all established. So you can go with a mix.
However, if you want to keep things small take a look at Flawn which sells flower lawn replacements. We've had white Dutch clover for a few years in the grass which we love. We're seeding self heal now so we will see how it looks in the spring
Low bush blueberries could do well there, unless its super steep. They stay low, only get about a foot tall and wide. They have great white flowers in the spring, blue-green foilage in the summer, plus edible fruit native birds love, and gorgeous fall color.
They do like acidic soil, so mulch with pine needles/wood.
I love this idea. I had no idea blueberry bushes could stay so small. Thanks!
You have to get a low bush variety, theres half-hybrids that get 3-4 ft tall, and High bushes that get 6-12 ft tall.
The acidic soil requirements are pretty stringent (PH 4.5-5.5), so I avoid watering with tap water (most tap water is alkaline), and I would test your soil before planting.
Native plants, surround with small rocks, make a garden
That or decrotative rocks.