Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
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Smarty Plants Question Topics
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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| Wildflowers for leach field in Maine October 31, 2010 I am looking for a wildflower mix that would suitable to plant over a leach field. What plants should I look to avoid? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Butterfly plants for area over septic system drainfield July 22, 2010 I live in Michigan and have purchased a house with a septic system. I hate to mow grass AND to waste all that area over the drain field with mere turf. I also enjoy attracting butterflies. what are... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-native smoketree for California City, CA June 28, 2010 I was wondering if you could tell me if it would be a good or bad idea to plant a Smoke Tree (most likely European) in the vicinity of a septic tank. We are looking for something which will provide a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflower garden for a drain field in Olivet MI June 27, 2010 I have a large area that is currently lawn over a drain field. I would like to turn this area into a wild flower garden. Will the wild flower roots, etc. cause any concerns or damages to a drain fie... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Should non-native invasive Wisteria be planted near well and septic system? May 05, 2010 I was told not to plant my Wisteria vine near my septic or well because the root will get into it and cause me many problems. Is this true? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for a septic field on a steep slope in Austin April 09, 2010 My septic field is on a fairly steep slope and is overrun with bermuda grass, native grasses, vines, thistle and other vegetation. What types of wild flower seed can I use on it that will grow on a s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Tree roots vs. leach field in Heber Springs AR February 03, 2010 We need shade in front of our west facing house; however, our septic system and leach field are there also. What kind of fast growing trees can we plant that won't ruin our septic system? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Raised beds over lateral lines in Solgohachia AR January 02, 2010 I would like to build raised flower beds over my lateral lines. They would be planted with strawberries and perennials. Will this cause any problems with the absorption into the ground or not lettin... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native plants to replace St. Augustine over septic area November 02, 2009 Hi. We're new to Orlando, FL and need some help with plants that would be suitable to grow over our septic field. It's on the west side of the house, full sun. We live in a subdivision that r... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for a septic system in Poland IN September 22, 2009 Hi, we have a septic system under a large front yard at a newly acquired lake cottage in southern Indiana. The yard is completely unlandscaped. I'm trying to find if there are are any safe trees I ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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