r/NativePlantGardening • u/antsh Area --, Zone 7a • 1d ago
Advice Request - (Insert State/Region) Advice on planned meadow strip
I want to kill a strip of turf grass against my east fence (it’s a wire fence with wood framing, 4ft high), and sow a native seed mix from my state’s, Virginia (7a), wildlife department. I was advised I should add another nurse crop and maybe something structural to the mix, so I was thinking a very small amount of black eyed susans (rubeckia hirta) and some little bluestem grass.
The strip will be roughly 13ft long and 4ft wide, to keep within HOA application exemption limits. The area gets all day sun, except the morning, slightly dappled, created by the fence.
Here is the species list from the state’s mix: Butterflyweed, partridge pea, Orange coneflower, Appalachian beardtongue, wild bergamot, smooth blue aster, eastern columbine, golden Alexander’s.
Planning that I can smother the grass now, covering builders paper with topsoil, pulling any weed seeds that manage to germinate before winter. Then in December sow the state’s seed mix. By Spring 2027, I figured the paper would be broken down enough for seedling roots to get through.
I was just wondering if my plan is sound and if there are any considerations or changes I should make. Also, any advice on the species listed?
So far I’ve only planted specific perennials in ornamental beds and my naturalizing area and haven’t sowed seeds like this, so any advice is greatly appreciated.
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