One important thing to know about the site is what is the soil like, and how dry does it get. If the site is a dry one, I'd expect you have trouble growing grass there, or whatever has planted itself there is growing poorly, or with bare ground in between the plants. A moister soil would support fairly dense grass and weeds, if the slope has been there a few years. There are tons of good choices for either a wet or dry site, but some of the plants would be different. For your first year, I'd definitely include some annuals (which of course bloom the first year) or perennials that bloom the first year. Clasping coneflower is great for most sites, but doesn't like really dry conditions. Black eyed Susans can also bloom the first year, if planted early. Monarda punctata is a nice first-year bloomer. There are other good choices as well, but don't overlook the first year. Many perennials don't bloom until the second year.

I'm not sure Bluebonnets would be happy. There's a native southeastern Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja cocciniea), but I've only seen it near creeks in part shade. It's biennial. For sun, try Coreopsis lanceolata (blooming now in your area, I bet -- I just saw it in NE Alabama less than a week ago), Echinacea purpurea, Ratibida pinnata, various goldenrods, Gaillardia, as well as asters. If your meadow is on the moist side, phlox species will do well, such as P. paniculata, P. pilosa, P. glaberrima, P. maculata. Silphiums are a wonderful big impact plant in a meadow. Look for S. compositum (Rosinweed) and S. perfoliatium (Cup Plant), both of which I believe are native to your area. Well, come to think of it, the latter one might not be, but it'll grow like it was born there. That puppy will get 12 feet tall. And, of course, Rudbeckia hirta (Black Eyed Susan) is always a pleasure. Sunflowers are a good choice, too. In my area I often see them near woods edges where they get a little shade. Some nice perennial types are: Helianthus atrorubens (Appalachian Sunflower), H. hirsutus (rampant spreader in moist soil), H. tuberosus (Jerusalem Artichoke -- ditto on the rampant spreading), and H. divaricatus and H. microcephalus for shadier sites. Biggest issue is where to find seed. You can often swap for stuff like this. I'd also Google the names (use the botanical names I listed for best results) to find seed sources. Soeur

Thank you to everyone for enlightening me on the various aspects of goldenrod. The web site was very helpful. I have my Canada goldenrod planted in slightly heavy clay soil so it should clump quite nicely. Not sure if I should remove it or keep it. Not to mention the unknown variety next to it. The only plant companions I am worried about are the Tango Lilies. I started this garden in a very hot sunny spot to attract bees and butterflies. The Sedum attracts the bees and the monarda and coneflowers do the rest of the work. So I guess I could always move the lilies if need be. I am leaning toward keeping it and watching nature unfold.

My gailardia and rudbeckia are blooming now they will continue to bloom till fall. My shasta daisy silver princess is budding, and my becky will be blooming by then. Another plant is a knockout rose they have been blooming for several weeks and also will continue till fall. Any type of salvia would be nice, or phlox paniculata. Clematis is another. So many options, I hope those few help.