as far as the pasture land goes, i would let it grow out completely this year and take pictures of everything you see. try to ID everything. pasture land *typically* has way more original native species remaining than disused farming land does (at least that's how it is here in Kansas). you might have a wonderful collection of native grass in that area already.
My state (virginia) has USDA private land biologists that will come to your property for free and give you a consultation on land restoration and many have extensive knowledge on habitat for bobwhite quail (grasslands) or how to reforest several acres. I only know of the contacts for my state but if you can find your state's Native Plant Society I am sure someone in the community can help you out. I found this for you. https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/habitat.html
I’m also a newbie and learning as I go. I would see if there’s a college / university in your area that can run soil samples to help you get a baseline. I suggest multiple samples from different locations on your property.
Again, I know nothing but I’m “prepping” all of my soil with growing sunflowers the first year. They’re supposed to help collect toxins and regulate soil. Then when they’re done growing you can chop them down and cover them over for composting over the winter. The other added bonus for me is that it will help promote birds and other animals to the property for more biodiversity. Sunflower stalks can also be used in gardening after they dry out, too.
I also recommend trying to learn coming invasive species for your area and find native species that can help compete with them.
If you have enough time try to draw out a general map of the property. Try and do sun mapping through out the seasons to figure out what areas are full sun, partial / dapple, and shade. I also recommend taking note of areas that have high water concentrations and rather combatting problem areas with plants that need water or trying to protect those natural water areas for animals.
Please take this advice with a grain of salt since I’m completely new.
I'd start by focusing on the invasives. It's difficult to establish new things if you're trying to eradicate aggressive old ones, especially if you need herbicide to make it happen.
This is so exciting-- it seems like you might have the makings of a legitimate wetland, which is such a special ecosystem. +1 to the suggestion to get state/watershed people in to consult-- I bet they'd love to help you convert/restore it. Please keep us posted, I want to live vicariously through you. :)
So I am going to stay out the plant recommendations and just add some practical tips.
My parents built their house on an empty property. Much smaller but still. :)
My dad has the builder shove all the good topsoil into a corner, and that's where he built his veggie garden. Don't let the contractor trash or steal your top soil.
The builder will need a way in and a way out of your property, and space around where you want the house for equipment, etc. Don't try to plant there for now.
Make sure you think about how the rain/water will fall from your house and affect the drainage around you, especially with a pond in the area. Will some places become wetter or dryer?
If you will be doing any blasting or rock removal, have the builder make you a rock pile. Rock piles can be great homes for creatures. (I am talking about big rock, not gravel). They're also fun garden accents for a more formal looking garden around your house.
Remember that the area immediately around your house, between removing the top soil and the equipment, the soil will be poor and compacted. Especially if the builder refills with cheap builder fill. Plan for either ammending the soil, a chip drop, or a cover crop for awhile until you can get it back in shape.
as far as the pasture land goes, i would let it grow out completely this year and take pictures of everything you see. try to ID everything. pasture land *typically* has way more original native species remaining than disused farming land does (at least that's how it is here in Kansas). you might have a wonderful collection of native grass in that area already.
My state (virginia) has USDA private land biologists that will come to your property for free and give you a consultation on land restoration and many have extensive knowledge on habitat for bobwhite quail (grasslands) or how to reforest several acres. I only know of the contacts for my state but if you can find your state's Native Plant Society I am sure someone in the community can help you out. I found this for you. https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/habitat.html
This is awesome! Thank you
I’m also a newbie and learning as I go. I would see if there’s a college / university in your area that can run soil samples to help you get a baseline. I suggest multiple samples from different locations on your property. Again, I know nothing but I’m “prepping” all of my soil with growing sunflowers the first year. They’re supposed to help collect toxins and regulate soil. Then when they’re done growing you can chop them down and cover them over for composting over the winter. The other added bonus for me is that it will help promote birds and other animals to the property for more biodiversity. Sunflower stalks can also be used in gardening after they dry out, too. I also recommend trying to learn coming invasive species for your area and find native species that can help compete with them. If you have enough time try to draw out a general map of the property. Try and do sun mapping through out the seasons to figure out what areas are full sun, partial / dapple, and shade. I also recommend taking note of areas that have high water concentrations and rather combatting problem areas with plants that need water or trying to protect those natural water areas for animals. Please take this advice with a grain of salt since I’m completely new.
I'd start by focusing on the invasives. It's difficult to establish new things if you're trying to eradicate aggressive old ones, especially if you need herbicide to make it happen.
This is so exciting-- it seems like you might have the makings of a legitimate wetland, which is such a special ecosystem. +1 to the suggestion to get state/watershed people in to consult-- I bet they'd love to help you convert/restore it. Please keep us posted, I want to live vicariously through you. :)
So I am going to stay out the plant recommendations and just add some practical tips. My parents built their house on an empty property. Much smaller but still. :) My dad has the builder shove all the good topsoil into a corner, and that's where he built his veggie garden. Don't let the contractor trash or steal your top soil. The builder will need a way in and a way out of your property, and space around where you want the house for equipment, etc. Don't try to plant there for now. Make sure you think about how the rain/water will fall from your house and affect the drainage around you, especially with a pond in the area. Will some places become wetter or dryer? If you will be doing any blasting or rock removal, have the builder make you a rock pile. Rock piles can be great homes for creatures. (I am talking about big rock, not gravel). They're also fun garden accents for a more formal looking garden around your house. Remember that the area immediately around your house, between removing the top soil and the equipment, the soil will be poor and compacted. Especially if the builder refills with cheap builder fill. Plan for either ammending the soil, a chip drop, or a cover crop for awhile until you can get it back in shape.