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 - May 31, 2012
From: Manor, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Putting in native grass in June in Manor TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
We are moving into a new-built house in the middle of June. We opted to not have them put in Bermuda grass as we wanted to seed a native mix. From my understanding, mid June will be too late to start a lawn from seed. What are our options for ground cover until the fall when we can plant rye grass? I don't want to be stuck with an all dirt backyard for a long period of time. Thanks.ANSWER:
Actually, our Habiturf expert has said that a native grass lawn can be planted in the Summer, with some care. We will link you to all the information we have on Habiturf, including a video on preparing the soil for seeding.
Habiturf - The Ecological Lawn
Research on the Ecological Lawn
We agree, you don't want a bare ground yard, which would quickly become a weedy yard, but you also should avoid planting ryegrass. You will then find yourself mowing and pulling, trying to prevent reseeding in the same lawn for years to come.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Drought affecting non-native Zoysia grass in Austin
November 06, 2011 - Due to the extreme drought here in Austin this year and the watering restrictions our Zoysia lawn has suffered and appears to be dead in many areas of our lawn. Will it come back? Is there anything w...
view the full question and answer
Plants wilting too quickly in Toledo OH
May 27, 2012 - The garden I have had recent issues with plants wilting all too quickly. I would like to know what types of plants would be hearty for the climate in Toledo, Ohio. I have a partly sunny front yard and...
view the full question and answer
Hillside Erosion in Pace FL
July 17, 2015 - I have a hillside that slopes down about 10 feet to a spring fed pond. The pond drains into Escambia Bay. We have 2 dams with culverts to control the flow of water. Last year during a torrential ra...
view the full question and answer
Groups promoting Edible Grasses
June 08, 2011 - Is there a group of people who want to study and grow
edible grasses?
Thanks!
view the full question and answer
Herbicide on Habiturf from Austin
May 31, 2014 - Can you recommend an herbicide that is safe to use on a Habiturf lawn?
I followed the directions to put in a new Habiturf lawn about a month ago. The grass seedlings are doing well in places, but ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |