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Countryside Mixtures
Countryside mixtures produced by the Bentley Seed Company are 100% wildflower seed with no fillers. Since many of the seed are extremely small, it is recommended that they be sowed by mixing the contents of the bank with a clean, dry sand to "bulk up" the seed mix and make it easier to spread. Mix the seed with about 1 quart of sand or clean vermiculite, in a pail, then hand (or mechanical) sow the mixture over the desired planting area. Countryside mixes have also been selected to provide hardy varieties that thrive with little care. Self seeding year after year, these mixes do not require frequent replanting.
Planting Wildflower Seed
First, it is most important to remove existing vegetation from the planting area.. Chemical herbicides are very effective as well as mechanical stripping of sod or other vegetation. It is essential that your wildflower planting does not have to compete with more aggressive grasses and weeds. After the vegetation is removed, the area should be tilled to a depth no more than three inches (3") deep. Rake the prepared soil to form grooves which will catch the seed/bulking agent mixture, and lightly rake after planting to cover the seed and insure good seed to soil contact.
When seeding, the minimum recommended rate is 4 lbs/acre (1.5 ounces/1000 sqft). The rate can be doubled, or even heavier for thicker plantings. When the mixture is used in flower beds and will be viewed up close, or if you intend on using the plantings for cut flowers, it is suggested that the seeding be thick.
Timing of Planting
In general, spring is the best time for establishment of wildflower plantings due to favorable moisture conditions, but late summer or early fall is also a good time, especially if irrigation is possible. Generally, fall plantings experience less problems with invasive weeds as most of them seed in the spring. Fall plantings should be done at least 8-10 weeks before the first frost, to allow time for adequate root growth.
Wildflower Care
Twice daily watering is advisable to aid germination after planting. If the seeding is mulched, it is important to use only clean straw, and not hay. Straw is the byproduct after the seed heads have been harvested, while hay contains seed heads. Do not apply mulch too thick, you should be able to see the soil surface trough the mulch. As for fertilizer, a poor soil may benefit from a light application of 0-10-10, but never use Nitrogen as it will only encourage weeds and undesirable plants. The first plants should be visible in 10-21 days and flowers should appear approximately 5-6 weeks after that.
Once established little care is required. During droughty periods watering is a good idea. Some "weeds" may invade the plantings must the wildflower generally out compete them or use hand weeding if the problem starts to get out of control. An annual mowing, done in late fall after the annuals have gone to seed is recommended. Mowing neatens the appearance, discourages woody plant growth and helps drop seed heads. Do not mow too close, most lawn mowers are not suitable. Cut the wildflower bed to a 4" to 6" height.
Seed Mixtures
When planting large disturbed areas, wildflower seed may be mixed with regular grass seed to create a meadow effect. In the North, use only hard fescues. NEVER use rye or bluegrass as they are too competitive, and will overtake the wildflower seeding. Use about 25 lbs/Acre of fescue when mixing with countryside mixes. Low rates of clover or trefoil is also acceptable.
Wildflower Performance
Countryside mixes have been developed for a number of applications. In all cases, wildflowers benefit from good light. While the shady mixture will handle lower light conditions, it still will not do well in dense shade. Wildflowers can be used on slopes, but use care to protect the plantings from erosion and silting until such time that they are established. Mature plantings are generally 2'-3' in height. The flower species not only bloom at various times, but also at different heights for a pleasing effect.
The species contained in these mixes have been selected for hardiness as well as adaptability to climate, soils and other factors. Some natural selection will occur and the same seed mixture will produce a different mature stand in Vermont lets say than in Georgia. Also, be aware that perennial species generally do not bloom until the second year so don't be surprised when something new shows up. While many perennials should self seed and become a long term part of the planting, you may want to over seed every few years to keep up the species variability.
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