The weather finally turned and we were able to get the ground prepped with the help of some friends and then we got about 250 plants in the ground! We finished mulching around the plants to give them a head start over the weeds and now we wait for them to grow! While they grow we’ll be inviting over more friends and groups to see their progress.
We’re already seeing a change in the soil from construction site clay, to healthier, worm-filled soil.
With the funding from changex, we were able to purchase the prairie plants from Prairie Moon Nursery. We wouldn't have been able to do it otherwise. We found creative sources for mulch and we purchased some landscape fabric to help with weed control around the edges of the meadow.
The weather finally turned and we were able to get the ground prepped with the help of some friends and then we got about 250 plants in the ground! We finished mulching around the plants to give them a head start over the weeds and now we wait for them to grow! While they grow we’ll be inviting over more friends and groups to see their progress.
We’re already seeing a change in the soil from construction site clay, to healthier, worm-filled soil.
Here is a screen shot from our zoom meeting! Even baby Cara got in on the action :)
Action plan:
Timeline:
Once we secure the initial funds, we'll be ordering plants and other necessary materials to start our pollinator project. Plants need to be ordered as soon as possible so that our supplier doesn't sell out!
Our team will meet to review the project and then assign duties based on the project review. We plan to install irrigation systems, pathways, etc, and all these need additional planning.
Budget:
Plants- these will be purchased from Prairie Moon and will be native plants, some specifically chosen as host plants to pollinators we have rarely seen. We're budgeting around $1000 for plants and seeds.
Rain barrels and watering systems- since the meadow is close to the house, we plan to use the roof to collect rainwater. We're budgeting $300-400 for these systems.
Pathway Materials- we want visitors to be able to interact with the meadow/prairie, so we plan to include pathways. This will also help protect our plants...mostly from our children! We plan to budget $400-500 for pathway materials.
Impact:
We grow much of our own food at Aura Homestead, and we also sell and give a small portion to our friends and community. We hope to use the prairie to increase our "footprint" and to draw more people in.
Our project will include seating areas with a nearby trampoline (we'll be reusing and repurposing items we already have) and so it'll be a great spot to host community events and our children's friends. We host homesteading classes, our homeschool co-op, and we hope to get more involved with our church's college ministry as well.
We want to invite our community and friends to stop and notice and to make meaningful connections with God's creation.
Location:
Location is the easy part. It's right out the back door. No permits or permission required!
