I’ve been thinking about what to do with the tall grass I had allowed to grow in the backyard (which generated a fair amount of speculation in my neighborhood). It’s part of a Monarch Sanctuary I started last year when I heard monarch butterflies were on the Endangered Species List. I allowed the grass to grow while I decided the form the Sanctuary should take.
I had planted some milkweed in an area separate from monarch favorites such as Joe Pye weed, goldenrod and coneflower, having read that the butterflies can more easily find them to lay their eggs. So I created a circle of tall grasses surrounding a few milkweed which will quickly multiply in a year or two.
Then I got the crazy idea to French braid the grasses, as a sort of “fence” around the milkweed. How hard could it be? I braid my hair every day when I work in my garden or studio.
So I left the grasses growing in the ground and simply braided them as I went around the circle.
It took me close to two hours (including breaks) and almost killed my back – but the effect was worth it!
My neighbors are happy with the yard’s new look. (And I laid a lot of rumors to rest!)
I’m not sure what will happen to the braids as the grasses keep growing but I hope they will hold out at least for the August 2023 event for The White Mulberry Project: A Silk Road Runs Through It.
Update 12/10/23: The grass braids held up perfectly for the August event – as long as I kept the new grass shoots trimmed. As of December, they are still nicely braided and will serve as cozy hibernation areas for insects.
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