While wildflowers are looking really pretty at the moment we still have a lot of weeds – I am assured this is all part of the restoration process. Already after only one year we can see a lot of native grasses starting to pop up.

One of our challenges is to encourage more native plants/grasses/legumes which will help crowd out the invasive grasses. To do this and not drain the bank balance we are preparing and seeding designated areas – the idea being that wind/birds etc will help further population of wildflowers once these are established. By mowing in patterns as opposed to a whole field we also reduce impact to current wildlife, especially important this time of year.

While a little late in season, we have prepared various sections, mowing first, then running box blade with tines extended and smoothing this out with chain harrow (spikes down and forward), casting seed and then chain harrowing again, but this time flat side down to cover seed. This is followed with watering using our water trailer.

Reseeding June 2012Jun 5, 2012Photos: 14