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
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 - October 22, 2009
From: Oneida, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Wildflower preparation for winter
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
I live in Onieda New York and I would like to know what do I do with my wild flowers before winter so they look great next year?ANSWER:
The short answer is ... nothing! Plants that are native to the environment in which they are planted, will do fine without intervention from a gardener (which is why they are such a good choice when you are trying to garden sustainably).You don't mention when you planted them (and if you planted them as seeds or small plants) and what type of plants they are (annual or perennial). You also don't mention whether they are planted in a border with other types of plants or if they are planted in an area to simulate a meadow. What you should "do" depends on those factors.
You will find our "How To" article Meadow Gardening helpful even though it is aimed at establishing a larger, self-sustaining area. If your plants are annuals or biennials you need to be sure they have set and dropped their seed before you cut them back. The perennials can be treated much as you would any perennials in your garden ... cutting them back in either late fall or early spring as you prefer. I prefer to leave them standing for the winter interest (and seed for the birds).
More Wildflowers Questions
More on bluebonnets
August 07, 2006 - Can you grow Texas bluebonnets in Madison, OH which is right near Lake Erie?
view the full question and answer
Mildew and red spider mites on native bluebonnets
April 02, 2008 - In reply to the spider mite question. Absolutely! They were on the tops of the leaves which is unusual. I looked under a magnifying glass and confirmed this. I also have some mildew on the lower leave...
view the full question and answer
Wildflower seeds to plant in summer in Austin
July 01, 2010 - Are there any wildflower seeds that can be planted during the summer months in Austin, TX?
view the full question and answer
Name of the yellow wildflowers that gave Amarillo, TX its name
March 01, 2016 - What is the name of the yellow wildflowers that gave Amarillo, Texas, its name?
view the full question and answer
Wildflower seeds affected by mulch in Austin
October 24, 2010 - I have a small wildflower garden in my central Austin yard. In early summer, I had some extra mulch and put it in this garden. Now I'm thinking that was a mistake. The bed has re-seeded itself for se...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |