Create natural habitat for birds, butterflies and other upland animals!
In the Spring of 2002 I installed a Buffer Zone along 90' of my shoreline on Boulder Lake. Using native Minnesota perennial wildflowers and grasses I was able to create a beautiful and functional area along the shore that does so much good for lake water quality. In my many years in the landscape industry I have been a good student of nature and I have learned much about native plant materials from working with them. When planning plants for a Buffer Zone it is important to consider soil conditions, location (sunny or shady), flower color, bloom times, Fall color and habitat needs for animals among other things. Looking to restore your shore? Give me a call, I can help you do the right thing for your shore and your lake!
Some of the pictures you find on this site were taken of my buffer zone in the Summers of 2006 and 2007. In the Fall of 2007 I tripled the size of my buffer zone from 900 to over 2,700 square feet! I started by planting 36 native Minnesota shrubs that will provide food and cover for the many animals that visit the shore. I then filled in the adjacent areas with many different native perennials. Below is a picture of the completed addition.
Learn about Buffer Zones
Frequently Asked Questions!
Q. Why should I install a Buffer Zone?
A. All of us who have the privilege of owning lakeshore property have an environmental duty to protect our lakes. The single most important thing that you can do to to improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat and protect against shoreline erosion is to install a Buffer Zone!
Q. Isn't a Buffer Zone just a lot of tall grass that looks messy and unkept?
A. No! Creating a Buffer Zone with a combination of native perennial wildflowers, grasses and shrubs will make your shoreline beautiful all year long. Your shoreline can be the envy of your lake!
Q. How much maintenance does a Buffer Zone require?
A. For optimum beauty the dead topgrowth from last years plants should be cut down and removed each Spring. During the growing season for the first few years there will be a small amount of weeding that should be done. Less time will be spent maintaining your Buffer Zone than would have been spent maintaining the lawn it is replacing!
Q. When do I get flowers and a thick stand of plants?
A. Most plants will bloom the first year! By the end of the second season all plants should flower and by the third season you will have a thick stand of plants!
