Iowa 2025

Before

After

This steep slope is being converted to a prairie strip both to support wildlife and to minimize difficult mowing.
Wild bergamot, Mountain Mint, Foxglove Beardtongue, Blue Vervain were planted, and Canada Wild Rye, Partiridge Pea, Whorled Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed and Brown-eyed Susan were seeded. Lots of butterflies and bees were heard
Homeowner is adding a ton of natives to this site.
This garden received a lot of rain so the plants grew ell, but then they fell over in the wind. The birds and pollinators didn’t mind though.
Homeowner is adding adding wild bergamot to a coneflower bed.
The beebalm didn’t bloom this year, but should next year. This gardener plans to add more plants next year.

Remaining Before Photos

Site will be planted for pollinators and birds.
Existing native plant garden is being extended. Homeowner added prairie smoke, pasque flower, rattlesnake master, dense blazing star, meadow blazing star, purple prairie clover, lead plant, monarda, foxglove beardtongue, New England aster, and showy goldenrod.
This site already has button bush, nannyberry and queen of prairie but will soon get fireweed and milkweed additions.

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