Native Plants

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topic	question
Grasses or Grass-like Shrubs Trees Vines	Plants for a children's playground April 20, 2015 We have extensive native gardens on our 2 acre property, but my children want a garden of their own with plants they can hide under and that are good for imaginative play. Are there any native plants... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Grasses or Grass-like	Groundcover for Slope in NC under Black Walnut April 20, 2015 Please advise on some plants for a difficult to mow 30% slope, near Asheville, NC. We have partial sun, plenty of good rich topsoil, and plenty of rain. The key issue is that it is under and near the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Soils Shade Tolerant Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs Shrubs Wildflowers	Plants for a Shaded Slope in Philadelphia April 17, 2015 I have a small slope along the North side of my house in a suburb of Philadelphia. A small maple tree grows there but most of it gets no sun at all (a large segment is under the tree). I had the soil ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs Wildflowers	Native Wildflowers and Grasses for Texas Acreage April 15, 2015 I recently purchased about 36 acres in Somervell County, Texas where cedar had been bulldozed and burned (many large spots). What would be the best native flowers or grasses to replant in that area? L... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Groundcovers Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Lawn Options for Saginaw, MI April 09, 2015 I'm looking for a low maintenance, high traffic lawn alternative. Will Texas Frogfruit handle the winter? My yard is small so covering it is an option. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Pests Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Chigger Control in Habiturf from Plano, TX April 08, 2015 We converted our back yard in Plano, Texas to Habiturf last spring/summer and have a nice lawn; however, for the first time since we have lived in this house for 32 years, the lawn was full of chigger... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Groundcovers Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Native Grasses for Houston, TX April 06, 2015 What native grasses can I use for my lawn in Houston, TX? It appears that Habiturf is not recommended for our climate. Is there another variety of seed available yet that I can use to start a small ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Plant Laws Deer Resistant Grasses or Grass-like Wildflowers	Critter-Proof Native Plants for Virginia Lawn April 02, 2015 We live in a gated community that was part of the Wilderness Battlefield during the Civil War. Our home is on a narrow lot, fully treed except for a postage stamp-sized lawn at lake side. We have de... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Substitute for Habiturf in Fullerton, CA March 27, 2015 Will habiturf grow/thrive in 92835 zip code? I think Im on 10a or 10b hardiness. I have clay soil. Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Grasses or Grass-like Wildflowers	Shallow Rooted Wildflowers for MA March 25, 2015 Do you have any suggestions for wildflowers that would be safe to grow on a capped landfill site? They would need to have roots no deeper than 24 inches. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Erosion Control Grasses or Grass-like	Grasses for a pasture in Hays County, Texas with horses March 20, 2015 I intend to sow grass seed over a few acres of pasture on which I'll have a couple of horses in Driftwood, TX. I'd like to know what variety of seed(s) would be most beneficial to the land - and th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Meadow Gardens Drought Tolerant Erosion Control Groundcovers Grasses or Grass-like	Groundcover for Road Frontage in NC March 12, 2015 I need a fast growing ground cover or perennial flower for 1,000 feet of road frontage about one acre that will choke out weeds. I do not want to do much ground prep or any ground prep. I do not want... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Grasses or Grass-like	Quick and EZ way to cover bare spots in lawn with grass March 09, 2015 We recently had to dig up our lawn to have a pipe replaced. We now have a long strip of our yard that is either dug up or covered by some of the dirt that is dug up. We want to fill in the grass. W... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Water Gardens Pests Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs	Deterring geese from a wildflower garden February 28, 2015 I've moved into a home with a large pond beyond the grass yard. I intend to plant a sunflower house with lots of other plants as part of the structure, such as flowering vines, clover, mint and thyme... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Water Gardens Problem Plants Grasses or Grass-like	Plants to replace Phragmites australis (Common reed) in Cedar Ridge Preserve February 25, 2015 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I live in the DFW area and volunteer at a preserve (Cedar Ridge). We are constantly battling the common reed, Phragmites australis, around the pond. I am wondering what shou... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Grasses or Grass-like	How to eliminate Sawgrass from a small lake in Lindale, TX? February 23, 2015 We live on a small acre lake (about 65 acres) and the majority of the lake is surrounded by what the locals are calling saw grass. From the description on the website, I believe they are correct. The... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Groundcovers Grasses or Grass-like	Strip Groundcover for Austin, TX February 19, 2015 I live in a condo in Austin (near N Lamar and North Loop), and am on the HOA board. There is a small strip of land along the back of the units, used mostly for access for maintenance - it ranges from ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Erosion Control Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs Shrubs	Native border plants to stop erosion February 18, 2015 I need native border plants to assist in stopping soil erosion due to water run off from rain and the Catawba River. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Plant Lists Meadow Gardens Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs	Native Plants for Year Round Interest February 16, 2015 I'm involved in a paradigm shift from traditional bedding plants (petunias, zinnias, begonias, etc.) to native plants. I realize that native plants have natural life cycles where they look pretty bad... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Soils Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Turf grass for a sandy site in central Texas February 16, 2015 I want to plant grass over an old sand volleyball court in our back yard in Bastrop, Texas. What is the best way to go? Adding top soil and buffalo grass seed or try St. Augustine? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs	Planting wildflowers and ryegrass in RIverside AL February 07, 2015 Love the name, enjoyed a visit last spring. We repaired a retaining wall about 300 ft. and want to plant wildflowers on a strip 5 ft wide. Slope gentle to 1 in 3.5. Hauled in topsoil for fill. Can ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Erosion Control Groundcovers Grasses or Grass-like	Phytoremediation using Paspalum vaginatum February 06, 2015 Do you know of any on-going research using Paspalum vaginatum as the prime plant (monoculture) for use in phytoremediation. Utilizing this plant in Vegetated Swales, Spreader Swales, Grassy Swales,... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Plant Lists Grasses or Grass-like Wildflowers	Plants for a Narrow Fence Line in TN February 03, 2015 I have a very specific and difficult planting question. I have a narrow strip (about 2 feet at the widest) between my back privacy fence and a wire fence that marks the edge of my property. It is dire... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Xeriscapes Drought Tolerant Groundcovers Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs	Plants for a sunny, sandy site in Central Texas January 22, 2015 I live between La Grange and Schulenburg, Texas. My soil is sandy. Full sun, no trees. I am a senior citizen with limited funds who is allergic to Rye and Bermuda grass. I tried planting a lawn of... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Native Grass Lawn For Georgia January 20, 2015 Grass in Atlanta when I was little (I am 50 years old and have lived in Atlanta most of my life) was of a fescue variety. Bermuda grasses were considered "rich person's grass" when I was young. M... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Meadow Gardens Planting Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs Wildflowers	wildflowers with interesting seed heads for winter interest January 09, 2015 I am looking to establish a wildflower meadow this year, and I want to include wildflowers that have interesting seed heads for winter interest. What would be your recommendation? Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Erosion Control Ferns Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs Shrubs	Plants to prevent creekside erosion in Nacogdoches County, Texas December 09, 2014 I am looking for some advice on plants native to Texas that can help prevent erosion. I own a wooded lot with a creek and would like to consolidate the sides of the creek against potential erosion. I... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Non-Natives Grasses or Grass-like	Controlling non-native Pennisetum frutescens (Naked fountain grass) December 07, 2014 Three years ago I bought a pennisetum frutescans grass from a reputable online nursery. It gets no supplemental water, but it is taking over my yard. It is almost 7 feet wide now. Can you tell me how ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Plant Lists Planting Shade Tolerant Ferns Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs Shrubs Trees Vines Wildflowers	Plants for a moist, wooded area in North Carolina December 06, 2014 I am looking to plant some native flowers in a wooded area in Surry County NC. The chosen location is fully shaded beside a creek. The water table typically sets about 2 feet below the surface of th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Grasses or Grass-like	Potential ecosystem benefits to Carex flaccosperma December 06, 2014 Hi, I am trying to find out if there are any ecosystem benefits associated with the plant Carex flaccosperma: Blue wood sedge? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Alternative for HABITURF� in Los Angeles County, CA December 04, 2014 The Habiturf brochure has a map indicating appropriate locales for growing this lawn. Excluded from the appropriate range is Southern California, where I live. Is Habiturf not recommended for this reg... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Soils Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs Trees	Restoring disturbed land in Marshall, TX. December 04, 2014 I have a 30 acre tract of land in Marshall, Texas. The oil company has turned 2-3 acres surrounding the rig into gravel. I would like to return the gravel area to green space. Any suggestions on gras... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Erosion Control Groundcovers Shade Tolerant Grasses or Grass-like	O.K. to grow grass under a live oak? November 26, 2014 Is it a bad idea to plant grass around a mature live oak? We have erosion issues and trying to keep mulch in the beds around the tree groves is a challenge, even with edging. Much of the native dirt... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Meadow Gardens Planting Propagation Seeds and Seeding Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs	Planting a meadow garden in Pennsylvania November 16, 2014 I live in Saxonburg PA near Pittsburgh PA. I want to put a meadow garden in my back yard. We are building a home so there is no established yard yet just trees and weeds. Where do I start . What... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Septic Systems Grasses or Grass-like	Using bamboo as a filter for odoras from a wastewater treatmen plant in College Station, TX November 16, 2014 My wastewater treatment plant is considering planting bamboo to create a filter for odors between it and the neighborhood. Are there any native plant alternatives that would function as well (if not b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Planting Shade Tolerant Grasses or Grass-like	Shade grasses for central Texas November 16, 2014 We are new to the area and bought a home this summer that has lots of shade in the very small backyard. The problem is that there was new sod laid in the backyard which now is 50% dead. We do not kno... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Grasses or Grass-like	Thunderturf turning brown in Dallas November 16, 2014 Thunder Turf turning brown in Dallas, TX: Hi there. I planted new Thunder Turf seed in my entire back yard this past spring. It grew incredibly strong and abundant all summer until about September ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Grasses or Grass-like	Planting Habiturf in an occasional overflow area November 14, 2014 Wondering about putting Habiturf in an area that is for occasional flood overflow. How will the Habiturf be affected by these occasional conditions? I suspect it won't like it and will start to thin ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Grasses or Grass-like	Overwintering Juncus spiralis in a Container in PA November 06, 2014 I have been growing a Juncus 'Spiralis' in a self-watering container on my zone 7 patio in Pennsylvania happily all summer. I have read that this plant is native and should survive outdoors over the... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Invasive Plants Non-Natives Plant Identification Planting Propagation Seasonal Tasks Problem Plants Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Bermuda, not the only option in Memphis November 04, 2014 I'm building an energy efficient home in Memphis and want to extend that strategy to the landscaping. I'd like to plant native grasses, but this lot is surrounded by lots sodded with Bermuda grass.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Propagation Seeds and Seeding Grasses or Grass-like	Need plants for a ecoregion prairie project in Cleburne, TX October 30, 2014 I have a ecoregion prairie project in which students are to plant from pots a small area so visitors might see what the seeded area will become. We are struggling to find potted plants. HELP View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Edible Plants Grasses or Grass-like	Native Grasses as a Hay Crop in Beeville, TX October 22, 2014 I am looking to cut Hay on about 38 acres just west of Beeville, Texas. I want to convert the land to native grasses, but I still want to have a decent hay crop that I can sell. What is a good set of ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Groundcovers Grasses or Grass-like	Groundcover for Critical Area Buffer Zone in Maryland October 06, 2014 Help RE: Maryland Critical Area Buffer Zone. Is there a low or no- mow grass native to Maryland that can be used in a Critical Area Buffer Zone. The area is Sunny/Clay. Or can you recommend a grou... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Alternative to Habiturf� for San Franciso area October 05, 2014 Will Habiturf thrive in San Francisco? My current sod lawn is dying because the soil has become extremely hard. I'll replace the top couple of inches but underneath is a mix of sand and clay. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs	Need native plants to place in chicken coop in Charolette, NC September 20, 2014 Hi, I live near Charlotte, NC. I'm looking for native plants that I can plant in my chicken coop that will produce food for the chickens. If they also produced some delicious food for me, I wouldn't... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Groundcovers Turf Grasses or Grass-like Herbs/Forbs	Alternative for HABITURF� in Contra Costa County, CA September 17, 2014 We live in Kensington, just north of Berkeley, in the San Francisco area. We intend to get rid of our water consuming lawn and we are wondering what kind of alternative you would suggest. You don't s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Turf Grasses or Grass-like	Why are there no low-mow lawn grasses composed of only native fescues? September 09, 2014 Dear SP, Most blends of ecograss I see are a combination of non-native and native fescues (and sometimes buffalo grass, blue grama, etc.). Why are there (apparently) none that are composed entirely of... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Erosion Control Grasses or Grass-like Shrubs	Erosion Control for Salem IN September 02, 2014 We've recently had a new pond dug. It is on a hill side and has some very steep and tall banks. We were advised that our best chance of keeping soil from eroding was to plant fescue. I'm not thrille... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Grasses or Grass-like	Native Grasses for Quebec August 21, 2014 I saw an article in the Martha Stewart magazine on native grasses. I live in Canada in Rimouski, in the province of Quebec. I am wondering if native grasses would grow here in the region? Our hardine... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
Container Gardens Shade Tolerant Grasses or Grass-like Shrubs	Shady Container Plant for Austin August 20, 2014 I am looking for a tall plant/small shrub/ornamental grass for a very large pot that is placed against the north wall of our Austin home. That spot gets some morning sun in the summer, but virtually ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer
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