2020 | Wildflower Zone Installation
Thanks to the vision of FOBP founding member Denman Glober Netherland, Austin Parks and Recreation approved plans for a wildflower area in the northwest corner of Brentwood Park between the Yates fence line and gravel trail in November 2020. The project mission was to provide ecological diversity, visual interest, support for wildlife, and create opportunities for park users to become more familiar with plants native the area.
On December 9th, 2020, seven volunteers from Brentwood and Crestview neighborhoods, Friends of Brentwood Park, and Austin Parks Foundation worked together to install the wildflower area. Next steps included monitoring the area and mowing the rye and Bermuda grass as needed until the wildflower seeds sprouted. Neighbors were invited to scatter additional seeds over the next two months to increase the number of wildflower seeds in the soil’s seed bank.
The project location was determined after completion of a smaller trial wildflower area in the northeast corner of the park near Arroyo Seco. The details of this project’s boundaries and installation were made in consultation with PARD’s program coordinators and park maintenance team.
Initial installation involved removing Bermuda grass, Rye grass, and other weeds by hand to expose bare dirt. Wildflower seeds were scattered and tamped down to ensure good contact with the soil. Other options discussed were solarization, tilling, and deep removal of existing plants. Based on gardening knowledge and experience of FOBP members, and PARD staff’s experience, it was determined that a program of timed mowing and seed scattering would be equally or more effective in this location.
Wildflowers were expected to become established over a three year period. During that time, new seeds were scattered each fall and the area was mowed in intervals that discouraged Bermuda and Rye grasses while enabling the wildflowers and native grasses to flourish. Denman loved micro-photography and took amazing closeup photo of the colorful variety of wildflowers and the tiny creatures that enjoyed them.
Maintenance was given during regular spring and fall IMPD workdays. After a few seasons, the wildflower area though beautiful and beneficial, was difficult to maintain and was overcome with aggressive grasses. Eventually, the area was allowed to revert to its current condition.
