Native Plants
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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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| Small, flowering, evergreen plants for hillside in Austin. October 27, 2007 I have a steep, dry hillside measuring approximately 4 feet high by six feet wide. I want to plant low growing, evergreen, flowering plants across the bed that will flower as long as possible, and thr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Winter expectations for Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) October 08, 2007 I planted some buffalo grass (from seed) in April of this year. I’ve got a nice patch now, though it’s starting to brown up some. I’m wondering what to expect from this patch over the winter- will i... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) and buffalo grass mixes October 05, 2007 I live in Austin, TX and have visited the Wildflower Center in the past and enjoyed the display of native grass mixes. Can you tell me about the variations of buffalograss mixes... which ones are most... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shorter drought-tolerant grasses August 31, 2007 We live on 1 1/2 acres near Dripping Springs. We have a variety of grasses, mostly tall, on the back and side of the property. Is there some type of drought tolerant shorter grass or wildflowers or gr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Encouraging native grasses to flourish August 23, 2007 We have been trying to restore the yard around the house with native grasses and forbs for the last two years. The soil is clay and nothing seems to grow. We have distributed 5 truck loads of mulch, p... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Green wall panel for Dallas August 21, 2007 We are working on a green wall panel for a hotel near SMU--I see your list of recommended species for green roofs, & wondered if you have any ideas for vertical applications. Probably will have someth... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Inland sea oats as backfrop for pigeon berry August 20, 2007 I am thinking of using inland sea oats as a backdrop for pigeon berry (Rivina humilis) in a shady area along my foundation. Will this combination work, or will the sea oats outcompete the pigeon berr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Care of buffalo grass after wet season August 15, 2007 I'm asking for your advice on what to do with my buffalo grass lawn. With all this rain, I've managed to pull the weeds as they pop up in my front yard, and it looks good, except for a couple of... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Identification of native grasses little bluestem and switchgrass August 09, 2007 If you drive east of Austin on Hwy 71, there is a bluish looking grass that has become very noticeable since the heavy rains in July. The blades grow straight up and each plant is in clump form. Do ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Flowering native perennials for St. Louis August 09, 2007 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I'm trying to landscape a yard that sits on rocky clay soil in St. Louis, MO. The front yard has been difficult because of its brutal southern exposure - the afternoon sun ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Practicality of Cedar Elm and buffalo grass in clay soil in East Texas July 31, 2007 Dear Mr. Smarty Pants, I live in Katy Texas on what used to be a rice field. The soil either has a lot of clay in it or in places is just solid clay. Will any kind of buffalo grass grow here? I'v... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Blue plants or flowers in Baltimore, MD July 27, 2007 I have a taxi company in the city called Bluecab. The headquarters is in an industrial area and the soil is tough and well, industrial. There will be no watering or maintenance done. Looks like a car ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Prairie and wetland restoration in Nebraska July 20, 2007 We recently bought property south of Crawford,NE near the Pine Ridge area. It has been grazed by horses for years. We'd like to restore the native grasses and flowers. I have no idea where to begi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Ornamental bunch grasses to grow under live oak June 25, 2007 I love live oak trees and have one in the back yard that is growing nicely. I don't know if it's the shade or the leaf and acorn droppings that won't allow the grass to grow underneath it. Around... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Distinguishing Bermuda grass from Buffalo grass June 14, 2007 Is Bermuda grass taking over my Buffalo grass lawn? I recently sodded a small area of Buffalo Grass 'Prairie' (last fall). It's doing beautifully, or so I think. There are stolons running and reach... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Difference between Pseudoroegneria spicata and Elymus trachycaulus May 21, 2007 What is the difference between Pseudoroegneria spicata and Elymus trachycaulus. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Types of Eragrostis lovegrasses that will survive in Northern Wisconsin May 21, 2007 I am interested in plains lovegrass, and know that it primarily grows in southern climates. Do you think it could thrive in northern Wisconsin if it is planted in a protected area? Could it survive ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Growing native grasses in containeers in Illinois May 16, 2007 Hi. How well would native grasses grow in container gardens in Illinois? What soil would you suggest? Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Understory plants for Tuolumne Co., CA May 14, 2007 My driveway is lined with purple plum trees. I would like to grow something underneath them. What can I grow that will not harm the root system/health of the trees? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Arisaema triphyllum as an insect eater April 14, 2007 Is the Jack in the Pulpit an insect eater? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Practicality of Bouteloua dactyloides as turf grass in Pflugerville April 07, 2007 I live in Pflugerville next to Pfluger park. The soil is pretty rich there and I'm looking for a good turf grass to replace the weeds in the front yard. Someone recommended Turfallo. What do you th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Suggested plants for between flagstones in Austin, TX March 24, 2007 I would like to plant something between my flagstones on patio. I am taking up the cement mortar and want something that doesn't require a lot of water, low growing, and can stand a little traffic. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native grasses as low-water option for ranch yard March 19, 2007 We have a weekend ranch in LLano Texas and are looking for a grass to plant in the front yard. (approx 3/4 acre) The house is very small and cute but not a real big fancy house. We do have a fence aro... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native sedges for Texas March 07, 2007 What can you tell me about Texas Blue Sedge? What its true name and culture requirements? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native wildflower habitat for North Carolina January 24, 2007 I am from North Carolina and have been gradually establishing a wildflower spring garden. I now have a beautiful display of bluets and cornflowers that grace my front yard in the spring. Most of this... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Frequency of mowing on native grasses November 17, 2006 I live on 5 acres in TX Hill Country. I love the native grasses when they are high and blowing, etc. My husband insists on mowing, claiming that by mowing, the grasses grow more rapidly over the dry... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native plants to make houses for sale more attractive November 03, 2006 I could use your suggestions: I have 2 small houses in Dallas which I am trying to sell, and would like to beautify -- with plants. Currently there are no shrubs or groundcover or trees -- nor anyo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native alternatives to St. Augustine for under an Arizona Ash October 12, 2006 I live in Mansfield, TX. We have a large Arizona Ash tree in our back yard. No grass will grow under it. We are thinking of laying sod (St. Augustine) there. Is this a good solution and if so, whe... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Control methods for Cenchrus spinifex, Coastal sandbur September 22, 2006 I have some of the nicest, thickest, greenest grassburs in the county of Erath. What is the best and quickest way to get rid of them? I have heard of a product called cornmeal gluten. Any info appreci... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native fescues and sedges for turf in New York July 25, 2006 Hello, Came across your contact info while googling and hoped you could help answer a question or direct me to another resource that can. I am looking to redo my entire landscaping with native NY ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Xeriscaping in clay on a slope in Fort Worth April 06, 2006 Xeriscaping in clay (Fort Worth) on a slope -- Please offer suggestions and publications. Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Alkalinity-tolerant grasses July 24, 2005 Dear Sirs - Are you aware of any grass species that could survive in strongly alkaline soils (ph from 10 up to 12) Thanks a lot. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Suggestions for Texas native plants for memorial June 30, 2005 A dear friend of ours has passed and we would like some ideas of a native Texas plant we could plant in memory of her. It will be grown in the hill region near Houston. Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflower meadow on former cattle pasture in North Carolina May 17, 2005 We have purchased approximately 7 acres of land in North Carolina. A neighbor has been using the land for grazing his cows, but I hope to plant it with wildflowers once we've built a small house. W... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native, durable, drought tolerant grasses for Amarillo, TX May 13, 2005 Are there any kinds of native grasses that are drought tolerant, durable and able to survive heavy foot traffic, and native to the Amarillo, Texas area? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Replacing grass with native Texas sedges March 24, 2005 I have been trying to grow native Texas sedges instead of grass in my back yard for the last two years. Much of it is shaded by a canopy of elms, juniper, and oak. I have put a local organic fertili... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native Hill Country grasses, flowers for April garden show March 17, 2005 I will be a first ever (!) exhibitor in my garden club's garden show this April 7. Our theme is The Passion of Texas - my specific category is The Hill Country. Help!!! All materials I use must be al... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Texas native plants for cemetery site February 09, 2005 I am trying to landscape my mothers gravesite located in far East Texas (just outside of Nacogdoches) and I am looking for some evergreen bushes or any other decorative plants for that area. I am thi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Possibility of root rot in Praire flame-leaf sumac July 08, 2004 I bought a prairie sumac two years ago and it was fine until recently when we had a lot of rain in Austin. Now the leaves are all brown and it appears to be dying. Is there something I can do? I reall... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Solarization and hand-pulling to remove invasive weeds June 20, 2004 We are planting a field of native grasses, and prepared the landscape by solarization last July. However it now seems that the weeds returned with great vigor. Is there any other method to get rid of ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Low maintenance native plants for sun in Dallas March 22, 2004 What low maintenance ground cover would you recommend for a sunny backyard in Dallas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Mixture of native grasses as opposed to buffalo grass monoculture November 26, 2003 My husband and I just built our home on Lake Travis. Our lot is very rocky and is on the side of a hill. We would like to plant something on the incline at the front of our home that doesn't need a l... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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