GARDENING
Book is chock full of information, from history to geology, geography, ponds and river systems, flora and fauna
Being in isolation has produced some welcome pockets of time to sit and ponder the future, but also to catch up to some reading.
Through the years I have acquired books that looked interesting at the time because of their presentation, photography, the subject or an author. They probably made their way to my home because of gift certificates at Christmas time or for my birthday. They were leafed through, but perhaps not thoroughly read. Nevertheless, being pretty and having been coveted at one time, they remained on the shelf until now.
One such book, ‘Prairie, a Natural History’ by Candace Savage, has finally been dusted off, opened and thoroughly explored. A true pleasure and a treasure, it delves into the long history of the prairies through the ages. It documents the prairie, its formation, its life forms — large and minutely small — and its resilience in the face of climate change and human habitation. This is accomplished through illustration and photography, but ultimately through the vivid prose that is uniquely Candace Savage.
A geologist might peruse chapter two, ‘Digging into the Past’, while a naturalist may leaf through its pages in search of images of birds, insects, butterflies, mammals and plant life that call the prairies their home.
Gardeners will perhaps concentrate on the ‘Geography of Grasses’ or the ‘Secrets of the Soil.’ Each chapter tells its own story and can stand alone. All together, they form the whole of the prairies, a vast landscape that stretches from Texas and New Mexico to Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, an ‘empire of grass.’ Its flora and fauna are disclosed in the pages of this book.
Because the book is so chock full of varied information, from history through geology, geography, ponds and river systems, flora and fauna, perhaps it is not the easiest book to read, but it is well worth the effort. Yes, you can read a chapter here, a chapter there, but going from cover to cover gives you a fuller view of the interconnectedness of this vast and wonderful ecosystem we call the prairies.
‘Prairie, a Natural History’ should be on the required reading list for anyone entering the College of Agriculture. Our future farmers and ranchers would benefit greatly, and perhaps so would the prairies that we know and love.
One of the grasses that once covered the tall grass prairie in Minnesota and Manitoba is big blue stem (Andropogon gerardii) also known as turkey-foot grass or beard grass. Big bluestem is a warm season grass, which begins growth in June and flowers in August or September.
With the flowers and seed at the top of the solid stems, big bluestem can reach a height of 2.5 metres. The seed head is usually branched into three parts, resembling a turkey’s foot, thus its common name. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
Because 60 to 80 per cent of the plant is underground, it is very drought tolerant. If placed in the garden, too much water, fertilizer or shade will cause the grass to become top heavy and even fall over. Although sometimes rated for zones 4 to 8, it may be worth a try here. You can probably procure plants or seeds from native plant specialists.
Two varieties which may be available from local nurseries are ‘Indian Warrior’ and ‘Black Hawk,’ selections from the native species that are slightly shorter at 1.8 m and have very good colour interest. ‘Indian Warrior’ has purple seed heads on reddish stems, whereas ‘Black Hawk’ sports purplish seed heads on dark green, almost black leaf blades.
Vangool is a long term member of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society who has been responsible for the stewardship of the Forestry Farm gardens. This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (SPS; saskperennial@hotmail.com). Check our website (saskperennial.ca) or Facebook page ( facebook.com/saskperennial). All Saskatchewan Perennial Society events are on hold until further notice.