Pollinator Habitat
Dedicated Field
Our property has multiple fields of varying sizes but dedicating an entire field to wildflowers and pollinator habitat means taking it completely out of production for years. As you are likely aware, farming is not an occupation for those who desire rich and elaborate lifestyles. Thin margins are made even more thin by taking crop producing fields and dedicating them to helping the overall environment. However, we believe this is something worthwhile.
Planting In The Snow
We started the process by purchasing 5 acres worth of seed from the Pheasants Forever Habitat Store which supplies dedicated seed mixes by state and desired species. We applied the seed after a late winter snowfall in order to ensure proper coverage, hydrate the seed, and help it enter the soil with the natural freeze and thaw of spring. Then we crossed our fingers and hoped for the best.
So Many Weeds
Initially the new flower and grass seeds had to compete with the common weed seeds that you see in many yards and fields. For the first few months of spring our field looked like a weed filled mess and I questioned if this would work. But, while the new plants were slow to root, they were persistent. After a few runs through the field with a rotary cutter to keep the weeds from getting too large, we finally started to see wildflowers appear as we approached mid-summer. It was becoming a wildflower field!
A Haven For Wildlife
This field quickly became a magnet for all wildlife. Of course we see more birds, bees, butterflies, and insects. Those are the pollinators that you would expect to be attracted to a giant field of wildflowers. However, we also see many more deer, rabbits, turkey, foxes, and ducks enjoying the area. The tall grasses provide shelter for many different animals including deer fawn and the eggs of ground nesting wild birds. All wildlife love this field and that makes it worthwhile in our mind.
Changing Colors Throughout Summer
If you stop by our farmstand during the late spring or summer you should see beautiful wildflowers waving in the breeze behind the stand. The entire field will change color as the flowers take turns blooming in the bright sun; pollinators flitting between the blossoms. If you look closely, you will likely see some of the bees from our Apiary collecting nectar for our own wildflower Honey. We hope you enjoy the sight as much as we do!
