March first is here and spring is right around the corner. New, green shoots of the tulips and daffodils are starting to pop up in the cold, wet soil. Hyacinths and snowdrops are starting to show color. The buds on the maples and willows are swelling, just about to spread open with the first blooms of spring. 

Using fire on switchgrass

Through February, ranchers and farmers have been burning their pastures and prairies to remove old growth and allow new, fresh green grasses to emerge and provide for foraging animals. This time of burning can often cause allergy sufferers to rage and storm at the fires, but without them, the prairies would turn into woodlands as woody species encroach and take over.

Grass fires burning

In the garden, fire can also benefit gardeners. I use fire to take down the large grasses in my garden-switchgrass, miscanthus, and gramas. Fire goes through the hollow stems of the grasses quickly and efficiently, and I do not have to stoop with shears. I would not, however, recommend using fire in city limits, or on beds with drip systems, as it can melt the tubes quickly. 

Using fire to burn grasses in a prairie themed garden bed

Fire is an immense part of our lives and our souls. We long to sit by the fireside, roasting marshmallows and watching the flames dance. Fire pits outside can become an integral part of our home landscapes. Add one next to a patio or deck and our outdoor rooms are complete. So come to Grimm’s Gardens and ask about fire pits, we can build one for you!

A gas fire pit built by Grimm’s Gardens

Happy planting!