LANE MEADOW POLLINATOR BLEND

The reasons for having a diverse spectrum of native plants is simple. The goal of a pollinator garden is to provide habitat for our native bees, birds, hummingbirds, butterflies, from sequential flowerings over the length of an entire growing season. As lawngrass monocultures convert to native plantings, a framework grows for countless species to become an ecosystem that joins native flora and fauna. Healthy soil grows healthy plants and better habitats for each level of the ecosystem. An essential film of mycorrhizal fungi inhabits all plant roots. This Pollinator Blend creates a webbing, mycorrhizae, where many organisms collaborate for soil health and of course, plant health. Soil minerals for plants from these essential mycorrhizal fungi both mine and then exchange soil minerals for their host plant for its sugars from photosynthesis throughout the year. Healthy root systems in such polycultures contain more carbon-sink above and below ground level.
Seasonal precipitation entering the soil is retained in humus from this association of soil, mycorrhizae, and plants capturing sunlight. This creates avenues for seasonal water to enter the soil with less need to irrigate in summer or supply extra fertilizer and accomplishes an early step toward sustainable goals in your landscapes and you will likely hear more crickets as well!

Sowing instructions for your “Meadow Pollinator Blend”

• Packet size: 5 gm.
• Blend is a minimum 30 species, approximately 2000 native seeds.
• This blend contains approximately 1/3 native annual forbs, 1/3 native perennial, and 1/3 native grass species.
• Suitable for sites in western Oregon or Washington.
• Blooming window from late winter through fall.
• Each 5 gm. bag will do an approximate 6’ x 6’ area. This is approximately 40-50 seeds/sf.
• Soil preparation should be shallow yet still make contact with seed surfaces.
• An occasional bark dust covering is recommended to add fresh carbon and nutrients in advance of future growing seasons.

For best results, sow seeds on loose, weed-free soil in fall (September-November). To ensure uniform distribution, mix the seeds with a lightweight carrier such as sawdust, sand, or perlite. When seeding/spreading, gently create seed-to-soil contact being careful not to bury the seed. Simply sprinkle loosely on lightly prepared soil surface. The many species in the blend will succeed in multiple conditions. There is frequently overlap of ideal growing conditions so you will enjoy learning where each species is at home and growing where they are planted. Some species require light for germination. They are species for sites that naturally range from Meadowscapes, Pollinator Gardens, Rain and Water Gardens, Woodland Gardens, and even Rock Gardens. There are over 35 species in the Lane Meadow Pollinator Blend.

• This custom blend is cosmopolitan in its adaption and approximately 1/3 annual native forbs, 1/3 perennial native, 1/3 native grasses.
• Please note: all species are specific to several but not all site conditions as settings overlap: deep woods, upland prairie, wetland prairie, pollinator garden, rock garden, and so on. By including many diverse native species it is difficult to not have a suitable match to various conditions where plants will thrive.
• Seeds will last several planting seasons if kept in a refrigerator and dry. Keep seeds in the refrigerator but not with apples or pears as they inhibit germination.
• Succession usually takes place. That is, certain plants bounce out in year one, and by successive years the different species follow with variety as in nature. The only constant is change. Perennials will not bloom in year one and some take several years of seasonal cycles of cold, wet, warm, and so on. When perennials emerge in year one they usually flower in year two and stay many years.

Species in the Native Pollinator Meadow Blend

Clarkia amoena, Pearly everlasting, Meadow checkermallow, Western red columbine, Yarrow, Douglas aster, Oregon sunshine, Roamers fescue, California oatgrass, River lupine, Slender cinquefoil, Sea blush, Western buttercup, Fragrant fringecups, Blue-eyed grass, Giant camas, Self-heal, Madia, Goldenrod, California poppy, Largeleaf avens, Showy milkweed, Cat’s ear, Gumweed, Seep monkeyflower, Blanketflower, Slim leafed onion, Fernleaf buiscuitroot, Blue-eyed Mary, Meadowfoam, Douglas iris, Mule’s ear, Tiger lily, Daggerleaf rush, Gilia. Percentages will vary within each 5 gram pack.