Reed Hilderbrand x Williams College

In October 2024, Meadow Lab partnered with Reed Hilderbrand and Williams College to establish a side-by-side field trial in Williamstown, Massachusetts.  The aim of the trial was to compare wildflower sod with direct seeding at the same seed rate per square foot to assess differences in establishment speed, weed competition, and overall performance.

Two adjacent 500-square-foot plots were modified from lawn, and thus, a sod-cutting site-preparation approach was used. One plot was installed with Meadow Lab’s Wildflower Sod™, while the other was seeded using Meadow Lab’s Eastern Native Enriched Seed Mix at the identical seed rate per square foot. This controlled approach ensured that any observed differences in performance could be attributed solely to the product installed.

Early observations revealed a clear distinction between the two approaches. Installed in the fall, Meadow Lab’s Wildflower Sod™ provided ground cover from the outset. The following Spring, the existing seedlings on the Wildflower Sod™ grew faster, achieving dense and consistent coverage within weeks. In contrast, the seeded plot showed slower germination, patchier growth, and less uniformity over the same period. The Wildflower Sod™’s immediate coverage not only improved aesthetics but also helped suppress weed growth during establishment. By June, the sodded side of the site was nearly 12” higher than the seeded side, with significantly less weed pressure. Data collection will continue over the coming seasons to evaluate long-term performance, seasonal resilience, and maintenance requirements.