What are Pint-sized Prairies?

The idea of Pint-sized Prairies came from our desire to enhance the ecological value of our urban areas in an approachable and cost-effective manner and utilize unused pieces of our yards as a low-entry point for native gardening for everyone.

The native plants we have selected are tolerant of an urban environment, offer seasonal aesthetics, and maximize ecological value in a small space.

So, Why Plant Natives?

Less long-term maintenance - Native plants evolved to grow in our region and need little care. This means no fertilizers, no winter care, and very little (if any) trimming and pruning.

Less water - The roots of these native plants can reach depths of over 5 feet, utilizing water that is inaccessible to contemporary landscape plants. These deep roots also soak up rainwater and reduce excessive runoff, which would otherwise contribute to the contamination of our waterways.

Support wildlife - The flowers and leaves of these plants are food sources for bees, wasps, butterflies, and moths. Some of these bugs become food for baby birds. Leaf litter will collect around the stalks of dormant plants, creating a habitat for wintering pollinators, fireflies, and grasshoppers. We’re celebrating the Natural History of Wisconsin and, in a small way, supporting the natural processes of the land.

Enhanced beauty - A natural bouquet of wildflowers, teaming with life, is more interesting and pleasant than an uninterrupted stretch of boulevard grass. Well, we think so anyway….

Why boulevards?

We do not exclusively plant in boulevards, but we recognize that not everyone can (or wants to) have a large, native garden, and the humble strip along the curb is often underutilized for landscaping. Any spot with proper drainage that receives ample sunlight id suitable, but if we didn’t know better, boulevards are perfectly situated for this use.

What about bees, and did someone say wasps?!?

Yes. However, the bees and wasps found buzzing around a stand of native flowers are solitary and do not have the defensive instinct to protect a hive. So, you will have bees around your flowers, but they are infinitely more interested in foraging nectar than bothering you.

How Much Does it Cost?

$150. We will prepare your site and plant 25 plants of 11 different species, covering an area of 15-20 sq ft.