Dark Beason
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thread 1/7
Friends, this doesn't happen in a year. If your native garden doesn't look like this right away, it's not your fault. Unless you have lots of money to transplant fully grown large plants, you will likely be starting with seeds or small plants. #NativePlants #gardening
03:41 PM - Jan 05, 2024
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Dark Beason
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thread 2/7
There's a common saying about native plants - first they sleep, then they creep, then they leap.

Your first year, the seedlings are just beginning to become established.
03:41 PM - Jan 05, 2024
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Dark Beason
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thread 3/7
This is why annual seed is often put in wildflower mixes, so you have something pretty the first year and don't feel like a complete failure. In fact, if you plant seeds, a lot of them need specific cold/warm, wet/dry cycles and they won't even germinate for a year or two.
03:41 PM - Jan 05, 2024
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Dark Beason
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thread 4/7
Seed packets do lie sometimes. That milkweed that says plant in spring after frost? No, it needs weeks of cold weather to germinate.

Next they creep. You will definitely notice growth once they become established.
03:41 PM - Jan 05, 2024
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Dark Beason
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thread 5/7
You will still want to fill in with annuals probably, because, while encouraging, the native plants will not be showing you their full glory.

Then they leap. Usually in the third year to the fifth year from planting you'll start getting the really showy blooms and vigorous - looking plants.
03:41 PM - Jan 05, 2024
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Dark Beason
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thread 6/7
Depending on your soil, sunlight conditions and which plants you have, this may be a quicker or a slower process.

Establishing a new ecosystem takes time. Savor every moment. DON'T expect results in one season and then give up when they don't happen.
03:41 PM - Jan 05, 2024
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Dark Beason
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thread 7/7
Every year something new will happen in your native garden. A new kind of butterfly will show up, or baby plants will spring up. Enjoy it and don't get discouraged.
💜💜💜
03:41 PM - Jan 05, 2024
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Cheryl Colan
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In response to Dark Beason.
Interesting. Would it work to keep in the freezer for several weeks before planting?
04:41 PM - Jan 05, 2024
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