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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.

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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.

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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!

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Tuesday - April 23, 2013

From: Redondo Beach, CA
Region: California
Topic: Groundcovers, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Ground cover for heavily traveled walkway from Redondo Beach CA
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I am looking for a drought resistant ground cover that you can walk on. I live on a south facing, sunny corner lot, 2 blocks from the beach where people park and need to cross over to get to the sidewalk-any suggestions?

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants is good, but our magic wand is at the shop. Please see this Previous question on a similar problem. You are basically providing a pathway to a very popular spot, the beach, and no one will care if they step on your lovingly placed plants. Most grasses are NOT foot proof and you would be constantly dealing with trying to water and weed, as well as replacing the squashed plants.

 

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