What is a Meadow?
A meadow by definition is a field habitat vegetated by grass and other non-woody plants (grassland). Meadows are of ecological importance because they are open, sunny areas that attract and support flora and fauna that couldn't thrive in other conditions.
Meadows come in all shapes and sizes and it entirely depends on the local ecology as to how colorful, how flowery and how tall the meadow will be.
On Nantucket, our meadows tend to be about knee height and although are beautiful year-round, are perhaps most spectacular late summer into fall when the autumn colors - coppers, bronzes, reds, oranges and silvers all shimmer in the sun. Great examples of meadows on Nantucket are at Tuppancy Links, Madaket Moors and Sanford Farm.
Why is Meadow better than lawn?
If we were to get technical, we would say it is because meadow not only provides more 'ecosystem services' than lawn but because they also have a positive environmental impact as opposed to a negative impact.
Or, in other words:
- They do not require irrigation in the long-term
- They do not require fertilization. This one is a big one as fertilization of lawns on Nantucket is having a significant and detrimental effect on our harbors and our water quality. Whatever way we can all find to reduce the amount of Nitrogen and Phosphorous going into our waterways the better our scallops will be, the better our drinking water will be and the better our swimming will be.
- They provide habitat for Birds, Bees and Butterflies as well as native Nantucket plants.
How can I create a meadow?
We are working on this section!!
What will my meadow look like?
We are working on this section!! Come back soon.