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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - March 17, 2005
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Lists
Title: Garden/landscape software for native Texas landscape
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What garden/landscape software program(s) would you recommend for a native Texas landscape design? I haven't found one that includes Texas plants in the standard plant encyclopedia. Any hints would be appreciated.ANSWER:
Our resident landscape expert says that most landscape architects use LandCadd; but it, like the many other landscaping software packages, has a limited plant list. This is especially so for native species unless they are common in the landscaping industry. Searching the internet I found Growit Gold Garden & Landscape Design Software which claims to have a large database that includes "tropical to cool weather range" plants and is likely to contain some native plants for your region. Also, they offer the option of adding your own native plants to the database.
You can find a PDF file to download of native plants recommended for your region on the Regional Fastpacks page of the Wildflower Center web page. The list arranges the plants by type--cacti and succulents, ferns, grasses, shrubs, etc. It gives the botanical and common names, the native range (by state), and information about its size, the blossom color, bloom period, moisture and sun requirements. Using the botanical or common names, you can search the Native Plants Database for pictures and more information about the plants. On the Regional Fastpacks page you can also find lists of Plant and Seed Sources and Plant Landscapers for your region.
More Plant Lists Questions
Winter plant for area with poor drainage.
December 07, 2007 - I have a 2 ft by 15 ft bed between the concrete patio and the pool that gets run off from the porch roof. I can't gutter the roof, so the bed can get very wet and stay that way for some time. It face...
view the full question and answer
Shrubs for Birds and Bees in North Texas
December 17, 2015 - I have a small backyard and would love to grow native plants for North Texas. I don't think I can grow trees, but for sure can do 1-2 crape myrtle-size shrubs. I have some rose of Sharon's going on ...
view the full question and answer
Ants and garden plants for Austin
November 03, 2012 - I am needy of companion plants that compliment and work well with the Lantana, Mexican Heather , and in the new beds that I am preparing where I was thinking in part to have passion flower (though is ...
view the full question and answer
Native plant lists for eastern Washington and trace element absorption by plants
November 06, 2007 - I'm a graduate student at Washington State University in Pullman. I'm currently working out a method (in my head) of utilizing neutron activation analysis of prehistoric animal bone to figure out h...
view the full question and answer
Container Plants for Lubbock, Texas
June 22, 2015 - Hello! I am looking for plants suitable for container gardening for a west facing porch in Lubbock. Plants need to be super tough to endure the baking sun, constant wind, dry air, extreme temperatures...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |