From Daylilies to Delight: A Guide to Planting Native Grasses, Wildflowers, and Herbs

From Daylilies to a Prairie Paradise: Transforming Your Garden

Are you looking to revitalize your garden and create a vibrant, ecologically friendly space? Perhaps you’re considering a transition from established plantings to something new and exciting. This guide will explore the process of removing daylilies and replacing them with a beautiful mix of native grasses, wildflowers, and herbs, perfect for adding beauty and biodiversity to your central Missouri landscape.

The Daylily Dilemma: Removal Strategies

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are undeniably attractive and hardy plants. However, their prolific growth can sometimes overshadow a garden’s overall design and restrict the space for other desired species. If you are looking to make a change, the removal of daylilies is a manageable task, but requires a strategic approach.

1. Timing is Key: The best time to remove daylilies is in the spring or fall. During these cooler months, the plants are less stressed, and the ground is typically moist, making digging easier. Avoid removing them during the heat of summer, as this can stress both you and the plants you’re trying to remove.

2. Gather Your Tools: Before you start, gather the necessary tools. You will need a sharp spade or shovel, a garden fork, a wheelbarrow or other means of transporting the removed plants, and possibly a pair of heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands.

3. The Digging Process:

   • Loosen the Soil: Begin by watering the area a day or two before you plan to dig, especially if the soil is dry. This will soften the soil, making it easier to work with.
   • Cut Around the Clump: Use your spade or shovel to cut around the perimeter of the daylily clump, creating a circle. Aim to go about 6-8 inches away from the base of the plant, as the roots often spread beyond what is visible above ground.
   • Leverage and Lift: Insert your garden fork or shovel under the clump and use it to gently lift the entire plant. Daylilies have a dense root system, so you may need to use some force. Work the fork around the edges to loosen the roots further.
   • Remove Excess Soil: Once the clump is out of the ground, shake off as much soil as possible to make it easier to transport. A good shake will also help reveal any remaining roots that need to be trimmed. At this point, consider amending the soil with compost, this will greatly improve the conditions for your future plants.

4. Disposal or Relocation: You have a few options for the removed daylilies. You can compost them, give them to friends or neighbors, or relocate them to another area of your garden. If you choose to relocate them, make sure to replant them at the same depth they were originally planted.

Planning Your Native Garden

Once the daylilies are removed, it’s time to plan your new native garden. Native plants are an excellent choice for several reasons. They are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions, which means they require less maintenance, less water, and are more resistant to pests and diseases. They also support local wildlife, providing food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and other beneficial insects. The key to success is careful planning.

1. Assess Your Site: Evaluate the area where you plan to plant your native garden. Consider the following factors:

   • Sunlight: How much sunlight does the area receive? Most native grasses and wildflowers thrive in full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight per day). However, some species can tolerate partial shade.
   • Soil: What type of soil do you have? Native plants often prefer well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay, you may need to amend it with organic matter like compost to improve drainage. Test your soil to understand its pH and nutrient levels. This will help you choose plants that will thrive.
   • Moisture: How moist is the soil? Does it tend to stay wet, or does it dry out quickly? Choose plants that are adapted to the moisture levels of your site.
   • Space: How much space do you have available? Consider the mature size of the plants you choose to ensure they won’t become overcrowded.

2. Choose Your Plants: Research native plants that are well-suited to central Missouri. Here are some suggestions for grasses, wildflowers, and herbs that would thrive in a sunny location:

   • Native Grasses:
     • Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii): A tall, stately grass that provides excellent fall color and provides cover and seeds for birds.
     • Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): A shorter grass with beautiful blue-green foliage that turns reddish-bronze in the fall. A great option for borders or mass plantings.
     • Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): A versatile grass with a variety of cultivars offering different heights and colors. Provides structure and habitat in the landscape.
   • Wildflowers:
     • Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A classic native wildflower with daisy-like purple flowers that attract butterflies and bees. It is very easy to grow and provides long-lasting blooms.
     • Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): A cheerful wildflower with bright yellow petals and a dark brown center. It is very drought-tolerant and provides a long season of bloom.
     • Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa): A host plant for monarch butterflies, this plant produces vibrant orange flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
     • Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): A member of the mint family with fragrant purple flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees.
     • New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae): This late-blooming aster provides a splash of color in the fall, with vibrant purple flowers that attract pollinators.
   • Herbs:
     • Lavender (Lavandula): Though not native, lavender thrives in sunny, well-drained locations and can be a beautiful and fragrant addition to your garden, attracting beneficial insects.
     • Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): Another Mediterranean herb that does well in full sun. Its fragrant leaves can be used in cooking.
     • Thyme (Thymus): There are many varieties of thyme, all of which are relatively easy to grow. They have fragrant leaves that can be used in cooking, and their flowers attract pollinators.
     • Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): These easy-to-grow herbs have edible leaves and flowers, and they can add a touch of onion flavor to your dishes.

3. Prepare the Soil: Once you’ve selected your plants, prepare the soil. Remove any remaining weeds, rocks, or debris. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. If you are planting grasses from seed, make sure to remove any existing sod as the seeds need direct contact with the soil.

4. Planting Your Garden:

   • Planting Time: The best time to plant native grasses and wildflowers in central Missouri is in the spring or fall. This gives the plants time to establish their roots before the heat of summer or the cold of winter.
   • Spacing: Follow the spacing recommendations on the plant labels. Proper spacing ensures adequate air circulation and sunlight, which can help prevent disease.
   • Watering: Water your newly planted natives regularly until they become established. Once established, they will be relatively drought-tolerant.
   • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch, such as shredded wood or straw, around your plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

5. Maintenance: Native gardens require less maintenance than traditional gardens, but some care is still necessary:

   • Watering: Water during extended dry periods, especially during the first year.
   • Weeding: Weed regularly, especially during the first year, to prevent weeds from competing with your native plants.
   • Deadheading: Remove spent flowers (deadheading) to encourage continued blooming in some species.
   • Cutting Back: In the late fall or early spring, cut back the grasses and perennials to about 6-8 inches above the ground. This will tidy up the garden and encourage new growth.

Designing Your Native Garden

Beyond choosing the right plants, consider the design of your native garden to maximize its visual appeal and ecological benefits.

1. Consider Height and Texture: Mix plants of different heights and textures to create visual interest. Taller grasses can serve as a backdrop for shorter wildflowers, and plants with contrasting leaf shapes can add diversity.

2. Color Combinations: Consider the color combinations of your plants. Choose complementary colors or create a more monochromatic scheme depending on your preference. Think about the bloom times of your plants to ensure a succession of color throughout the growing season.

3. Create a Structure: Use pathways, rocks, or other hardscape elements to create structure and define different areas of your garden. This can make the garden more inviting and easier to navigate.

4. Embrace the Natural Look: Native gardens are often designed to mimic the natural landscapes of the region. Allow your plants to grow in a more natural, less manicured style. This will create a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

5. Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to how your garden evolves over time. Observe which plants are thriving and which ones are struggling. Make adjustments to your planting plan as needed. Gardening is an ongoing process, so be prepared to experiment and adapt your approach.

The Benefits of a Native Garden

Planting a native garden is not only a beautiful and rewarding experience but also contributes to environmental health. By choosing native plants, you are helping to:

• Support Local Ecosystems: Native plants provide food and habitat for local wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. They are an integral part of the local food web and help to support biodiversity.
• Conserve Water: Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, so they require less water than non-native plants. This can help to conserve water resources and reduce your water bill.
• Reduce the Need for Pesticides and Fertilizers: Native plants are often more resistant to pests and diseases than non-native plants, so they require less or no pesticides. They also thrive in the local soil conditions, reducing or eliminating the need for fertilizers.
• Create a Sense of Place: Native gardens reflect the unique character of your local landscape. They can create a strong sense of place and connect you to the natural world around you.
• Increase Property Value: A well-designed and maintained native garden can increase the aesthetic appeal of your property, which can increase its value.

Conclusion: Embracing a Natural Approach

Transforming your garden from daylilies to a diverse mix of native grasses, wildflowers, and herbs is a rewarding project. It requires careful planning, but the benefits are well worth the effort. You’ll not only create a beautiful and sustainable landscape but also contribute to the health of your local ecosystem. By embracing a natural approach to gardening, you can create a space that is both visually stunning and ecologically responsible. Enjoy the process and the beauty that native plants bring to your backyard!