GARDENING
GROW WILD PRAIRIE PLANTS YOUR GARDEN WILL LOVE
BY JUDY OWEN
Most people like to support local when it comes to shopping. If you’re a gardener, it could be time to throw your support behind native prairie wildflowers and grasses.
T The benefits of growing these plants in your yard are wide- ranging, says Jeanne DuBois of Ron Paul Garden Centre. “These native wildflower plants are some of the toughest and most hardy in our area,” she says. “So if people are just getting started with gardens, these are good choices because they’re a little more forgiving.” Manitoba wildflowers are usually classified by soil type, from dry and clay-like conditions to very wet conditions, which is a helpful guide for
selecting the right plant for your yard, she adds. Many wildflowers are drought tolerant, which eases water use, while others are disease resistant. “Plants that are more commonly found in an area will have developed some disease resis- tance,” DuBois says. “Planting a diverse garden is also one of the ways to have a healthy, disease-resistant garden. In addition, certain kinds of plants may also be insect resistant.” Some wildflowers can help prevent soil erosion in a lake setting, while others thrive in wet areas.
28 PARADE of HOMES SPRING 2025
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