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
Sunday - March 21, 2010
From: Albany, GA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Wildflowers for Area Around Drainage Pond in Georgia
Answered by: Nina Hawkins
QUESTION:
We have a drainage pond behind our business in Albany, Georgia and would like to plant about an acre of wildflowers around it to help with soil erosion and to help keep weeds from taking over again, we just cleaned it out. Do you know an inexpensive type of perennial wildflower we could plant that would thrive here.ANSWER:
To successfully repopulate the area around your drainage pond with wildflowers rather than "weeds" you'll want to use a seed mix (or two) that contains a variety of annual and perennial wildflowers and grasses rather than just picking one or two specific perennial wildflowers to seed. The annuals will reseed themselves and come back the next year and a wide variety of species will provide blooms at different times of the year. The grasses are especially important, because their extensive root systems will hold the soil in place and fill in the spaces between the flowering plants that would otherwise invite undesirables. You can check our Suppliers list or do a little searching on the internet for wildflower seed companies that sell in bulk for this very purpose. The seller should have different wildflower and grass mixes tailored to specific soil types and conditions so that you can purchase the mix that is right for your land. They will also have information about seeding rates that will tell you how much seed you'll need for the area of land you are trying to cover. Don't skimp - or you could end up back at square one with a weed meadow rather than the beautiful wildflower meadow flitting with bees and butterflies that you're dreaming of. Below I've listed a few attractive grasses and wildflowers that are native to Georgia that would likely be included in the seed mix that you choose. You'll find many others by searching our Plant Database or the Recommended Species list for Georgia.
Panicum virgatum (switchgrass)
Sorghastrum nutans (Indiangrass)
Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem)
Bouteloua curtipendula (sideoats grama)
Monarda fistulosa(wild bergamot)
Rudbeckia laciniata (cutleaf coneflower)
Eupatoriadelphus fistulosus (trumpetweed)
Penstemon digitalis (talus slope penstemon)(blackeyed Susan)
Oenothera speciosa (pinkladies)
More Wildflowers Questions
Plants to prevent erosion in IL
August 02, 2012 - We just got done building a house and have leveled all of the dirt piles. We do have a row of straw bales to help prevent the dirt from washing onto the neighbors property. It is the wrong time of ye...
view the full question and answer
Parasitic paintbrush
March 29, 2009 - Many years ago I tried to grow some paintbrush seedlings with some seeds you sent me and found it difficult. Based on pictures in the literature I noticed that paintbrushes do not seem to affect their...
view the full question and answer
Bluebonnets for wedding centerpieces in Ft. Worth
April 14, 2009 - I am looking to purchase 25 live bluebonnet plants for my wedding centerpieces. I need them by May 15, 2009. Do you sell them?
view the full question and answer
Purchase of Galphimia angustifolia from Austin
June 08, 2014 - I have a Thryallis, Galphimia augustifolia, or Thryallis autustifolia, growing from a limestone ledge in my yard in west Austin TX. I have tried unsuccessfully to buy this native. Do you sell it at t...
view the full question and answer
Monarda species seed for heirloom gardens in Wales
June 15, 2012 - Hello. I am trying to obtain seeds for the following Monarda species: - barletti, lindheimeri, russeliana, and viridissima. Our address is Wales, United Kingdom and we are hoping to obtain the full c...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |