Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
From: Flagstaff, AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Xeriscapes
Title: Flowering native plants for Arizona
Answered by: Stephen Brueggerhoff
The Arizona Native Plant Society is a wonderful organization that you can count on. Browse their website for a chapter closest to you, as well as resources & further information to assist with native plant landscaping for your ecoregion. Also, if you have a hankerin' for the hard science, Northern Arizona University hosts a phylogenetic tree AND a biome map that assists with identifying the flora and ecoregions that make up the great state of Arizona. The forward thinking city of Scottsdale, AZ, has enacted ordinances allowing for development and conservation of native plant species. And finally, try the relevant resources provided by the Desert Botanical Garden. They provide a hotline, growing guides, and practical information for gardening in the desert.
Management of xeriscape garden and rock mulch
December 09, 2007 - I have a large xeriscape garden; unfortunately, it is located near some pear trees which drop tons of leaves each fall/winter. The garden is difficult to clean of leaves until I cut back the plants. ...
view the full question and answer
Need to plant something in the cracks in my patio in Skipperville, AL.
February 06, 2012 - Mr. Smarty Pants,
I have a cement patio full of cracks. I would like to grow some sort of plant or plants in the cracks. I live in lower Alabama, and my patio is in full sunlight. Do you have an...
view the full question and answer
Low-maintenance native plants for Arizona
March 12, 2009 - Will you please suggest some Native plants that can be left without care for the summer and survive - other than cactus?
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for plants for a bird/small wildlife refuge in Wichita Co, TX.
August 26, 2011 - With our continuing drought in North Texas, I'm planning to transform my small backyard into a bird/small wildlife "refuge". What types of native plants and grasses can I plant in dry, hot Wichita ...
view the full question and answer
Grass installation with plugs from Austin
February 05, 2013 - As much as I would love to use the seed mixture you suggest for Austin, I am not physically able to do the needed prep and was unable last year to get a professional. No one would even call me back wh...
view the full question and answer
![]() |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |