Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Sunday - April 14, 2013

From: Wayne, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources, Green Roofs, Grasses or Grass-like, Wildflowers
Title: Resources for a green roof project from Wayne PA
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Hello! I am researching a project to create a native wildflower/ turf mix for a green roof. I would ideally like to grow it as a sod mat, and then install it in rolls. I am currently working as an intern for Chanticleer Gardens in Wayne, PA. Do you know of anyone who grows such a product in the US, or would you have any suggestions for local resources?

ANSWER:

Please read this Previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer which directs you to the information we have on green roofs. When you begin to look for plants, you can go to our Recommended Species, click on the map of Pennsylvania, where you will get a list of 135 plants native to Pennsylvania. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, home of Mr. Smarty Plants, recommends only plants native not only to North America but also to the area in which those plants will be grown.

In addition to the list of suppliers on greenroofs.org, you can go to our National Suppliers Directory, place your town and state or just your zipcode in the Enter Search Location box and you will get a list of native plant nurseries, seed suppliers and consultants in your general area. All have contact information so you can find our where they are and whether they have what you need before you start out.

Best of luck on your project!

 

More Wildflowers Questions

Will wildflowers still be blooming end of March from Austin
November 20, 2009 - Hi Mr Smarty Pants - A wildflower enthusiast from Rome Italy wants to schedule a special visit to Austin end March early April 2010. Can she be sure wildflowers will still be blooming then?
view the full question and answer

When the bluebonnets bloom
January 31, 2003 - Can you tell me when the bluebonnets are in bloom?
view the full question and answer

Native plants that do not attract any kind of wildlife.
October 19, 2015 - Hi I live in Bexar County, Texas and I was wondering what would be some good NATIVE plants that could be planted in yards that do not attract any kind of wildlife (so no berries, nuts, fruits, thick c...
view the full question and answer

Alternatives to Lily of the Valley in Arkansas
March 08, 2011 - I saw the question from the person who was looking for a native equivalent to Lily of the Valley and immediately thought of Solomon's Seal, which has similar bells on a stalk and grows in similar loc...
view the full question and answer

Creating a wildflower meadow
May 18, 2013 - I have an area 1-6 acres worth that is currently grass that I would like to overseed with wildflower seed. The local native plant nursery says that would be a waste. I don't really want to kill gra...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.