Native Plants
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
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Thursday - April 10, 2008
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Septic Systems
Title: Native plants for septic field
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
We have a new Septic tank and field and I want to plant native seeds on the field instead of grass. Are there particular packages of seed that I can purchase or what else would you recommend?ANSWER:
If only it were that easy-buy a couple packages of seeds, sprinkle them around, and up pops a wildflower meadow. Unfortunately, that's not the way it works. Read our How-To Article "Meadow Gardening". It really explains the process far better than we could. Then, go to this list of Suppliers for the Austin area, find one convenient to you, and they will be able to help you with the plants you need, seeds, etc. In fact, since you live in Austin, you could come to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Spring Plant Sale this weekend, April 12 and 13, shop for plants, talk to gardeners who can help you, and even visit the Native Plant Society of Texas tent for seeds and more plants.More Septic Systems Questions
Grass for septic drainfield in Georgetown TX
February 10, 2009 - We recently had a new septic drainfield installed. It is raised approximately 2-3 ft above ground level. I would like to plant it with a native grass/grasses that would attract wildlife yet still be a...
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Are 'Ice Blue' Arizona Cypress and Desert Willow safe near a septic system?
September 18, 2015 - I want to plant a screen to hide driveway/cars on our property line that is close to the septic tank(not septic field) and the septic line running from the house. Would it be safe to plant a Ice Blue ...
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Wildflowers and grasses for a septic field in Maine
November 18, 2010 - Mr. Smarty Pants: I want to know the length of root systems for native Maine wildflowers that will be planted over a septic system drain field in Maine. Also any grasses you can think of. This area ...
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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...
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Desert Willow Roots from Lubbock, TX
September 18, 2014 - I have a very, very happy Desert Willow that has grown larger than we expected and is probably too close to the house. Do I need to worry about a cracked foundation or pipe problems? Thanks!
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