MEADOW CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT

A mature meadow is a mixture of mostly perennial grasses and some wildflowers, with deep root systems that can extend over 10 feet. Meadow plants are able to absorb water and nutrients in periods of extreme heat and drought. The biomass of surface material helps reduce the growth of annual weeds. Therefore, mature meadows require very little maintenance. Once established, meadows require no water, fertilizer, or herbicides. Mowing is only required once a year to prevent woody plants from establishing and transitioning the meadow into young forest.¹ Designing a meadow is really designing a meadow management plan. To begin, the Department of Public Works could experiment with a “no-mow” spring and observe which species naturally emerge. Clearly marking off the area and adding signs to explain this project will help educate the public.

If native and non-aggressive non-native plants proliferate, the department may not need to reseed. If many invasive species are in the seed bank, the Town may decide to remove existing vegetation and reseed. Successfully establishing a meadow from seed is a threeyear process, with the first year devoted to good site preparation.² The University of New Hampshire has an extensive guide to preparing turf/lawn area for conversion, the planting process, and long-term maintenance considerations. In year one, it is recommended to mow monthly during the growing season to allow sunlight in. Patches of bare soils are a good sign, because sunlight will get to the soil. In year two, the meadow will be sparse, visually and functionally dominated by early successional species like black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta). By year three, grasses should become visually dominant, and longer-lived wildflowers will come in.²

There are many pre-made seed mixes. In general, it is better for longterm meadow endurance to purchase a seed mix heavy on perennials. Including black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and spotted bee balm (Monarda punctata) offers some blooms in the first season to satisfy the need for color. The cost for a seed mix runs an average of $60 to $80 per 1000 square feet, if seeded at a rate of 20 lbs per acre (0.5 lbs/1000 square feet). This means for a meadow of approximately 2 acres, the total seed cost would be between $5,000 and $7,000.²

Adding a few fruit trees in the meadow adds visual interest and an interactive component. Peach trees grow on a wide range of soil types but prefer a well drained sandy loam like the soil at B. Everett Hall Field (UMASS Amherst). Peaches could be accessed by a path mown through the meadow grasses. Not only are the trees a fun destination for people of all ages, they also nod to Hanover history. In the 1800s, Benjamin C. Pratt cultivated the Pratt Rare Ripe peach in Hanover. A life-long Hanover resident, Benjamin Pratt lived at 167 Elm Street, where his house still stands.

Dry, Average Sun May to July Drought tolerant

7. Dotted bee balm Monarda punctata 6-36” Dry Sun April to September Drought tolerant

8. Prairie goldenrod Solidago nemoralis 18-36" Dry Sun June to October Grows less aggressively than the more common tall goldenrod

*This plant palette shows a small selection of meadow species that will grow well in sunny, dry conditions. New England Wetland Plants, Inc. carries New England Wildflower Mix, New England Roadside Matrix Upland Mix, and New England Native Warm Season Grass Mix which are all good options for the site conditions. Plant information for this palette from UNH Cooperative Extension Program unless indicated otherwise.³