Pocket Prairies

Creating a pocket prairie in your urban yard is a simple way to make a lasting difference for your local environment. These small, manageable spaces are pollinator paradises, providing vital food and shelter for butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects. By turning part of your yard into a thriving prairie, you’re not just creating beauty—you’re helping to restore local ecosystems.

The process is straightforward but takes a little patience. It starts with a consultation, where I’ll help you design a plan tailored to your space and needs. From there, we prepare the area by removing sod—a step that can be done by hand, with a sod cutter, or by laying down cardboard and mulch to naturally smother the grass over 3–6 months. Once the space is ready, I’ll install the plants and bring your prairie to life.

Pocket prairies get their name from their size. These mini-ecosystems can range from as small as 10×5 feet to as large as 80×100 feet, making them perfect for urban and suburban yards. They are low-maintenance, sustainable alternatives to traditional lawns, and they provide a critical seed source for visiting wildlife.

Inspired by Douglas Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park movement, pocket prairies are part of a larger effort to shift from resource-heavy landscaping to a more ecological approach. Imagine what’s possible if enough people turn their lawns into spaces that support biodiversity. Together, we can help restore the Great Lakes region to its natural balance, one pocket prairie at a time.

Ready to create a pollinator-friendly oasis? Let’s make it happen in your yard. It’s a small change that delivers big benefits for your environment and your community.

Also- ask us about our ‘Great Lakes Woodland’ garden or a’ Midwest Forest Floor ‘ garden install as well!