"As the sun was setting, we came upon a place where wildflowers bloomed in mounds of pink and lavender and blue, like soft pillows."
- from Jean Van Leeuwengs Going West
 

Prairie gardens can inspire a sense of wonder and attract insects and birds. 

A good site for a prairie garden is one that has full, direct sunlight throughout the entire day. Knowing the composition of the soil in your garden will help you make good choices of plants to grow.

Some plants thrive in wet soil, others prefer dry soil, and still other plants require a combination of dry and wet soil called mesic. Local soil and water conservation departments can help you determine your site's characteristics. 

Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) sitting on a Pale Coneflower (Echinacia pallida)