Case Study: Transforming a Turf Lawn into a Native Plant Wildflower Meadow
Project Overview
This project involved replacing a traditional turf lawn with a thriving native plant wildflower meadow. The goals were to create a biodiverse habitat, support pollinators and wildlife, reduce water usage, and restore ecological function to the space.
The photos below feature the project from when it was first installed in August of 2024 at the bottom to the most recent photos in November of 2024. We see a huge ammount of growth and transformation in those short three months.
Lawn Removal and Soil Preparation
We add 8-12 inches of wood chips, followed by a rich soil blend, over the top of the existing lawn. The wood chips act as a natural mulch that blocks sunlight from reaching the grass beneath, preventing it from photosynthesizing and causing it to die off. This is a simple yet highly effective way to eliminate unwanted grass without harsh chemicals.
As the wood chips break down over time, they enrich the soil by adding organic matter and releasing nitrogen. This improves soil fertility and creates a welcoming environment for new plants.
The rich soil blend we add on top further enhances soil structure, improving moisture retention and drainage, which is essential for healthy plant growth.
We rely on this method because it mimics natural processes of decomposition and soil layering, helping to create an oxygen-rich environment that benefits beneficial microbes while suppressing invasive grasses.
The wood chip layer helps retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering and encouraging deep, healthy root development for the new plants. Overall, it's a simple, sustainable solution that prepares the land for a thriving ecosystem.
Plant Selection
To build a vibrant and ecologically functional meadow, the following native plants and seeds were selected specifically to thrive in the micro climate of this yard:
Bluebell Ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.)
Bloom Time: Spring
Max Height: 3-6 feet
Insects Supported: Attracts bees and butterflies.
Birds Supported: Provides shelter and nesting sites for small birds.
Snowbrush Ceanothus (Ceanothus velutinus)
Bloom Time: Spring
Max Height: 4-6 feet
Insects Supported: Pollinated by bees and butterflies.
Birds Supported: Provides shelter for birds like warblers and sparrows.
Nootka Rose (Rosa nutkana)
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Max Height: 3-5 feet
Insects Supported: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Birds Supported: Provides rose hips for birds, including thrushes, sparrows, and other songbirds.
Cascade Oregon Grape (Mahonia nervosa)
Bloom Time: Early spring
Max Height: 2-3 feet
Insects Supported: Attracts bees and butterflies.
Birds Supported: Provides berries for birds, including thrushes and robins.
Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Max Height: 1-3 feet
Insects Supported: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to its flowers.
Birds Supported: Does not directly support birds, but can be a part of a larger habitat.
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Max Height: 2-4 feet
Insects Supported: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Birds Supported: Provides seeds for small birds.
Cascade Penstemon (Penstemon serrulatus)
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Max Height: 1-2 feet
Insects Supported: Bees and hummingbirds are attracted to its flowers.
Birds Supported: Provides some shelter and nectar for birds.
Fescue (Festuca spp.)
Bloom Time: Late spring
Max Height: 1-3 feet
Insects Supported: Supports grasshoppers and other grass-dwelling insects.
Birds Supported: Provides habitat for ground-nesting birds.
Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
Max Height: 2-3 feet
Insects Supported: Attracts grasshoppers and other insects.
Birds Supported: Offers shelter for small birds.
Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata)
Bloom Time: Spring
Max Height: 10-20 feet
Insects Supported: Pollinated by bees.
Birds Supported: Provides food for birds, including songbirds and finches.
Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii)
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Max Height: 6-8 feet
Insects Supported: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Birds Supported: Provides shelter for birds and attracts insectivorous species.
Western Larch (Larix occidentalis)
Bloom Time: N/A (Deciduous tree)
Max Height: 40-80 feet
Insects Supported: Provides habitat for a variety of insects, including bark beetles, which are a food source for woodpeckers.
Birds Supported: Supports woodpeckers, owls, and small birds seeking shelter in its branches.
Seeds:
Arrowleaf Balsam Root (Balsamorhiza sagittata)
Bloom Time: Spring
Max Height: 1-3 feet
Insects Supported: Attracts bees and butterflies.
Birds Supported: Does not directly support birds but is beneficial to the overall ecosystem.
Beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax)
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Max Height: 2-3 feet
Insects Supported: Supports pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Birds Supported: Provides nesting material for small birds.
Large-Flowered Collomia (Collomia grandiflora)
Bloom Time: Summer
Max Height: 1-2 feet
Insects Supported: Attracts bees and butterflies.
Birds Supported: Does not directly support birds but contributes to the habitat.
Narrowleaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis)
Bloom Time: Summer
Max Height: 2-4 feet
Insects Supported: Crucial for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
Birds Supported: Provides seeds for birds like goldfinches.
Native Pollinator Meadow Mix (West of the Cascades)
Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
Max Height: Varies
Insects Supported: Supports a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths.
Birds Supported: Provides habitat and food sources for various bird species.
Native Butterfly Nectar Mix (1/2 oz)
Bloom Time: Summer to fall
Max Height: Varies
Insects Supported: Primarily attracts butterflies.
Birds Supported: Provides habitat for bird species attracted to pollinators.
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant (Cleome serrulata)
Bloom Time: Summer
Max Height: 2-4 feet
Insects Supported: Attracts bees and other pollinators.
Birds Supported: Does not directly support birds but contributes to the habitat.
Western Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)
Bloom Time: Summer to fall
Max Height: 1-3 feet
Insects Supported: Bees and butterflies.
Birds Supported: Provides seeds for small birds, especially finches.
Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)
Bloom Time: Summer to fall
Max Height: 3-5 feet
Insects Supported: Bees and butterflies.
Birds Supported: Provides seeds for birds.
Meadow Barley (Hordeum brachyantherum)
Bloom Time: Spring
Max Height: 2-3 feet
Insects Supported: Attracts grasshoppers and other insects.
Birds Supported: Provides habitat for small birds.
Prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha)
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Max Height: 1-2 feet
Insects Supported: Supports grass-dwelling insects.
Birds Supported: Provides shelter for ground-nesting birds.
Roemer’s Fescue (Festuca roemeri)
Bloom Time: Late spring
Max Height: 1-2 feet
Insects Supported: Grasshoppers and other grass-dwelling insects.
Birds Supported: Provides habitat for ground-nesting birds.
Creating Water Features for Pollinators and Wildlife
In addition to the native plantings, small water features were incorporated into the design to further support pollinators and wildlife. Large boulders were strategically placed in key locations to create shallow ponds and water collection areas, mimicking natural water sources.
These features serve as vital hydration stations for pollinators like bees and butterflies and small mammals and birds. The rocks provide a safe, non-slippery surface for insects to land on, while the water helps maintain the local ecosystem's biodiversity.
This transformed yard now serves as a sanctuary for local wildlife, offering food, shelter, and water. The combination of native plants, water features, and strategic habitat placement contributes to the long-term sustainability and health of the ecosystem.
Project Impact
The transformation of this space from a water-intensive lawn to a native wildflower meadow has created a dynamic and sustainable ecosystem. The meadow now supports a wide range of pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, contributing significantly to local biodiversity.
Pollinators: The diverse array of plants, including Lupine, Narrowleaf Milkweed, and the Native Pollinator Meadow Mix, have provided habitat and food sources for over 40 species of native bees, butterflies, and other insects. These plants are critical in supporting pollinator populations, which are essential for the continued health of our ecosystems.
Birds: The integration of native shrubs like Mock Orange, Bitter Cherry, and the newly added Western Larch provide shelter, food, and nesting sites for a variety of bird species, including sparrows, warblers, towhees, and woodpeckers. The Nootka Rose provides rose hips, a valuable food source for birds such as thrushes and finches.
Soil Health: Native grasses like Tufted Hairgrass, Fescue, and Meadow Barley have improved soil structure, enhancing its ability to retain moisture, prevent erosion, and nourish the other plants in the meadow.
Water Efficiency: The deep-rooted native plants have reduced the need for supplemental irrigation by increasing the soil’s ability to retain water. This contributes to the overall water efficiency of the landscape, especially in an urban environment where water conservation is crucial.
Carbon Sequestration: The addition of trees, such as the Western Larch, and shrubs like Snowbrush Ceanothus, plays a significant role in sequestering carbon, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change over the long term.
Conclusion
This project exemplifies the powerful impact that transforming a traditional turf lawn into a native plant wildflower meadow can have on a local ecosystem. The meadow has improved local biodiversity by supporting pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects, and it has also contributed to soil health, water efficiency, and carbon sequestration.
Using native plants to create a self-sustaining habitat and incorporating thoughtful design features like natural bird baths and tree planting, we’ve transformed a once conventional yard into a vibrant, ecological sanctuary. This project demonstrates the potential for urban spaces to support and revitalize local wildlife and natural systems.
If you're ready to transition from a traditional landscape to a thriving native plant ecosystem, contact Urban Rewilding today! Our team is dedicated to helping you create a beautiful, sustainable landscape that supports local wildlife, conserves water, and enhances the natural beauty of your space.
Whether you're looking to reduce maintenance, restore biodiversity, or create a food forest, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out now to schedule your consultation and transform your landscape into a regenerative, low-maintenance haven for both people and nature. Let’s work together to bring the power of native plants to your yard!
Comments