Start Date
10/21/2017
End Date
10/28/2017
Description
Meadows are unmatched in their ability to provide year-round beauty and long-term, high quality habitats for beneficial insects and resident birds. Learn the "why, how, what, when and where" of turning an area of lawn into an aesthetically rich and environmentally functional native plant community that conserves limited resources and requires fewer inputs. Get started today!
Day 1: 10 am - 12 pm
A.Meadow Concepts
1.A community of plants typically composed of forbs and grasses
2.These plant species are beautiful, resilient, efficient with resources and supremely ecologically functional
B.Site Assessment/Evaluation
1.Total number of hours of direct sunlight
2.Basic soil type: sandy, loamy, clayey
3.Typical soil moisture condition: wet, moist, dry (aka. wet, mesic, xeric)
4.Present vegetation type
5.History of the site
C.Site Preparation
1.Remove existing plants (competition)
2.Remove dead vegetation
3.Expose bare soil by shallow tilling or scarification with a steel rake
D.Species Selection and Seed Mixes
1.Custom design your own mix
2.Purchase a prepared mix from a reputable supplier
E.Installation Protocol
1.Positive seed/soil contact is essential
2.Use a carrier for even distribution
3.Distributing the mix
4.Packing
5.Mulching
F.Water
1.Critical component in the first year
Day 2: 10 am - 12 pm
A.First Year
1.Watering, if feasible
2.Periodic mowing to 4-6” in height when overall growth reaches about 12”
3.Final mowing in mid to late March
B.Second Year
1.Periodic mowing to 4-6” may be wise, but usually not needed or desirable
2.Begin routine inspection for presence of undesirable plant species
3.Final mowing in mid to late March
C.Subsequent Years
1.Continue routine inspection for presence of undesirable plant species
2.Final mowing in mid to late March
3.Burning?
D.Alien Invasive (or Other Undesirable) Plant Species Control
1.Mechanical means (hand pulling, hand cutting, digging, mowing, Weed Wrench and related tools)
2.Chemical means (synthetic systemic herbicides vs. other organic “all natural” herbicides)
Location
Hockessin, DE
Distance Learning
No
Course Equivalency
No
Subjects
Horticulture / Plants
Site Planning
Health, Safety and Welfare
Yes
Hours
4.0
Learning Outcomes
1. Explore meadow concepts including plant communities and ecologically functional plants. Discuss species selection and seed mixes.
2. Learn about meadow site assessment/evaluation and site preparation.
3. Discuss installation protocol and maintenance the first critical year.
Instructors
Mark Gormel
Course Codes
GAR161
Provider
Mt. Cuba Center