Native Plants
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Dieback of river fern and maidenhair fern in the Texas summer August 28, 2015 My river fern and maiden hair fern are dying back. I know it is hot, but they are in shade and watered regularly. The river fern is dying back from the tips. Any fungus or bugs I should be looking ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Erosion controlling plants for a shady Minnesota lakeside August 11, 2015 I live about 50 yards from a lake and there is a steep embankment. Recently someone decided to cut the trees off the embankment and now the dirt is eroding off the embankment as well as off my back ya... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Stopping erosion on bank of a Florida retention pond July 21, 2015 I live on a retention pond, which has had all vegetation killed by the lake doctor. As a result the bank has eroded so there is a drop off directly to the water rather than a sloping bank. What plan... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Poolside plants for East Texas June 18, 2015 What are the best plants, shrubs, ornamental trees, etc. for poolside planting in East Texas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Growing mosses in the Pacific Northwest February 05, 2015 Can you provide information on types of Mosses as well as Microferns in the Northwest Mountain region near Seattle? I assume that Mosses and Microferns are more resilient to foot traffic (i.e.Cush... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Calcium from Eggshells for Ferns? December 15, 2014 I was reading recently about beneficial additions to the soil/plant. The first was about soaking used egg shells overnight and then pouring the water onto ferns. They said that the calcium in eggshell... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants to prevent creekside erosion in Nacogdoches County, Texas December 09, 2014 I am looking for some advice on plants native to Texas that can help prevent erosion. I own a wooded lot with a creek and would like to consolidate the sides of the creek against potential erosion. I... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for a moist, wooded area in North Carolina December 06, 2014 I am looking to plant some native flowers in a wooded area in Surry County NC. The chosen location is fully shaded beside a creek. The water table typically sets about 2 feet below the surface of th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Environmental factors that affect lifecycle stages of maidenhair fern. November 07, 2014 What are the environmental factors that can affect the lifecycle stages of a maidenhair fern, particularly A. trichorleopis? Thank you View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native Texas Plants for a Terrarium October 08, 2014 I have a 55-gallon aquarium that I would like to make into a terrarium. Are there any Texas native plants that would do well in the limited artificial light of the tank? The plants should be of varyin... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Groundcover for shade in Duval County, Florida September 17, 2014 What low growing ground cover would be good for a lake edge area. This area is shaded with overlying woodland type trees. I planted some autumn ferns but they have getting overrun with poison ivy. I a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Chemical Weed Control in Lady Ferns in North Carolina August 12, 2014 Lady Fern (Athyrium filix femina): What herbicide may I use for weeds in a new bed of Lady fern. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Hanging Baskets for Batson, TX May 23, 2014 What plants can I put in hanging baskets for my shady porch? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Hanging plants for Austin, TX May 18, 2014 I'm looking for a hanging potted flower suggestion for Austin. Most locations are shaded under a large tree, but some locations may have several hours of afternoon sun. I'd love to see some hummin... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Ground cover to control hillside erosion in Illinois May 04, 2014 I have seen some other questions regarding native plants for erosion control, but I am looking specifically for plants that will do well on a hill in partial to full shade. I am told the soil in our a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Recovering neglected garden space from Grapevine TX March 22, 2014 I live in Grapevine TX (Dallas). I just moved into a house where almost the entire large backyard is covered by oak trees that shed tons of leaves throughout our mild falls/winters. The yard has not... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Starting shade-tolerant ground covers in New York September 10, 2013 Hi, I have seen some of the posts for shade-tolerant ground cover on the east end of Long Island and my question is process related. Now that I've identified the grasses/plants I need to keep my fro... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Evergreen plant to cover parents' graves in Louisiana June 30, 2013 We want to plant ground cover on our parents graves in Plain Dealing Cemetery in north Bossier Parish LA. Soil is red clay/dirt. Want native plant, slow growing, short not tall plant, that might sta... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Container plants for part shade in Bee Cave TX June 18, 2013 Dear Mr Smarty Pants, I am looking for plants that will thrive on my covered porch in 3 tall planters. These are meant to help me block an unattractive view out my living room window, so they must... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants for a garden in Panama City, FL May 10, 2013 I live in zone 9 in Florida. We are looking for plants which will be attractive all year long for the front of our house's landscaping which faces north. I need a specimen bush which doesn't get ov... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Smoky Mountains Shaded Slope Plant Suggestions April 29, 2013 We live in a very shady spot in Great Smoky Mountains in Western North Carolina. We would like to plant vegetation on a sloped area behind our cottage to stop erosion after building an addition. Our h... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Yellowing fern houseplants from Lancaster PA April 10, 2013 I have fern houseplants about 9 to 12 months old and they are turning yellow. I don't overwater and they get good light. They are growing well but I don't understand the yellowing and falling off! ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants to grow in shady sand in Florida March 31, 2013 We live in central Florida (directly between Orlando and Tampa). Our yard is mostly sand for soil and difficult parts in shade almost all day from large trees. What ground cover (grass) and hedges can... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants to grow in shady area near a pecan tree in Maryland March 26, 2013 I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I have planted only natives in my front lawn. My backyard, which sports a pecan tree, fir, fig tree, and others I can't identify is dirt, just dirt. I have... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native container plants from Hillsdale NJ March 22, 2013 Looking for suggestions for the easiest natives to grow in containers. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native Plants for Shaded North Slope in Ohio January 03, 2013 I have a shaded north hillside which needs erosion control plants. Mostly moss and very thin grass grows there now. Please help! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Source for ground pine plants from Ligonier PA December 21, 2012 Where can I purchase "ground pine plants? I want to use them for erosion control. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Ground cover under Spruces from West Chester PA December 06, 2012 Trying to get a native groundcover (or any grass/wildflower/fern) planting established under a small stand of spruces. Established stand (30+ years old), so lots of needles on ground. Just about tot... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Crows foot plant for Christmas wreaths from Millsboro DE November 04, 2012 I am looking for a plant called crows foot to make wreaths for Christmas. Where do I find this plant. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for streambank area in Oregon September 14, 2012 I am ready to replant a streambank area with native plants..what do you recommend for the Willamette Valley in Oregon? Thanks much! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Cottage-style landscaping for Chesapeake VA August 02, 2012 Dear Mr. Smarty Plant staff, I recently moved into a cottage style home that has a poured concrete/paver patio. I am trying to come up with ideas for plantings that would 1. give me a bit of privacy,... View Mr. Smarty Plants' 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 Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Pool-side ornamentals for south Louisiana May 07, 2012 We live in south Louisiana and are re-doing the plants around our pool. What are some low maintenance, small shrubs (flowering) or other ornamentals that would be good in this area? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plant identification from Virginia May 03, 2012 We found lots of asparagus like stalks growing randomly in our field here in central Virginia. But, instead of an asparagus head it has a tight cluster of leaves that are small and roundish. Any idea... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Erosion control for a North Carolina creek side February 29, 2012 Hello Mr. Smarty Plants! I noticed a question on your website recommending NC native grasses and plants to help prevent erosion on a sloping backyard, including the use of an erosion blanket. The pl... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Container plants for Arlington TX February 10, 2012 Mr. Smarty Plants, I just moved to Arlington, TX. I am trying to create a container garden on my apartment balcony. What flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruit combinations can I put together that wil... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
transplanting Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) October 25, 2011 Behind our house is a huge grotto with a spring flowing through it that runs into a creek. Because of the constant flow of water, there are many of the Maidenhair Ferns (Adiantum capillus-veneris). I ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Container plants for cool weather in Cypress TX October 02, 2011 I am a novice gardener and I am looking for some ideas on potted plants for the fall/winter. They would be covered by a roof, but still susceptible to the elements. What can be planted now that will... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native alternative for liriope September 20, 2011 I am looking for native alternatives to liriope for use in sun to part shade, moderate moisture planting beds. Would prefer evergreen options. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Identification of small purplish/pink flower with ferny leaves March 13, 2011 There is a totally adorable tiny flower blooming right now in my lease pasture near the Cedar Park Center in Cedar Park, TX. It has a rosette of 2"-3" ferny leaves circling a very tiny (1/4") purp... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Erosion control on partially shaded slope November 27, 2010 Mr. Smarty Plants, I live in Atlanta, GA. My house is on a hill, and I am beginning to have erosion at my backyard porch (concrete slab, on the corners especially). The soil is mainly red clay, a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Deer resistant plants for area under grand fir (Abies grandis) in Idaho July 08, 2010 What can I plant on a slope under Grand Fir trees in North Idaho, zone 4 - anything deer resistant? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for steep slope in shade in Iowa July 02, 2010 I work for a small non-profit shelter here in Dubuque, Ia. that has a very steep slope behind the building that needs some sort of plant or grass planted to stop erosion. The slope gets little to no s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Southern Woodferns in TX May 06, 2010 I have recently bought some 3 gallon southern woodferns, and have planted them in the shade in a low spot with clay soil. It seems to be a good location for the ferns, but a week or two after transpla... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Fertilizer for Maidenhair Fern in Bay Point CA October 05, 2009 Is it possible to feed a Maidenhair Fern the same plant food as a African Violet? I use Schultz African Violet Plus. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Identity of a fern-like plant in Nashville TN. July 30, 2009 There is a fern like plant that is growing in partial sun in my front yard. It closes and opens with the sun. Its leaves are lacy and long; so far no flowers. I have pictures but not for this format... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Winter hardy fern for northeast Texas May 20, 2009 I am looking for a winter hardy fern to grown around my deck. The area would get some morning sun but afternoon shade. What do you suggest? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Flowers or plants for no-sun area in Nova Scotia March 14, 2009 What kind of flowers or plants can I plant in my rock garden that gets virtually no sun? I have wasted so much money on plants that were guaranteed to grow. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Are philodendrons, variegated ginger, sword ferns and palms toxic to horses? February 24, 2009 Are philodendrons, variegated ginger, sword ferns and palms toxic to horses? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plant that can move from outside to inside for Denton, TX December 14, 2008 I am looking for a plant that is either native to Texas or is well acclimated to the Denton TX area that can move from a covered outside area to an adjacent indoor area behind large glass walls, to a ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Tropical looking plants for pool area in California November 14, 2008 I am looking for small tropical looking plants, groundcover, and 2-small trees for around my pool. They have to be non-toxic to dogs,cats, and people. They can't attract bees/wasps, or have a root ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Ferns that smell like cucumber September 27, 2008 Are there ferns that smell like cucumber? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Identity of fern-like plant in woodland garden August 04, 2008 what is the fern-like, hairy fleshy-stemmed, 12"-18" ht plant in my woodland garden View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Decline of Japanese ferns in Austin June 16, 2008 I've enjoyed beautiful Japanese ferns in my shaded garden for about ten years. They are looking spent and straggly, despite fish emulsion, compost,and lots of mulch and soaker hose watering in the s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Short or mowable plant for walkway June 03, 2008 I'd like a short and/or mowable plant to use as a walkway in and around a vegetable garden in upstate NY. I was planning on clover, but I want to use a native plant if possible. The native clovers ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Scientific name for non-native staghorn fern March 21, 2008 What is the scientific name for the staghorn fern? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants for memorial garden in Michigan March 04, 2008 I want to start a memorial garden for my daughter. I live in northern Michigan and the area has very tall white pines we have pruned them up about 15' so the area does get partial sun. Which plants w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Understory plants for Tuolumne Co., CA May 14, 2007 My driveway is lined with purple plum trees. I would like to grow something underneath them. What can I grow that will not harm the root system/health of the trees? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Transplanting native, protected Ostrich fern in New York September 05, 2006 Please give advice about how to transplant Matteuccia struthiopteris. What is the best time of year to do this? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants with little sun and northern exposure for New York April 26, 2006 I live in a co-op and want to fix up the backyard. The backyard area has a west area to plant with a northern exposure and little sun and I am looking to plant something to cover the area. I would lik... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Low cost, low maintenance, water tolerants native plants for New Jersey February 25, 2006 I am planning a bed around my deck which will include shrubs and flowers. I am looking for plants that require a lot of water due to the wet soil conditions and poor drainage in my yard. Do you have... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Suggestions for Texas native plants for memorial June 30, 2005 A dear friend of ours has passed and we would like some ideas of a native Texas plant we could plant in memory of her. It will be grown in the hill region near Houston. Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Propagation of ferns June 05, 2005 I have several varieties of well-established ferns and would like to know how I might propagate these ferns. I have tried just snipping one stem to root it but I was unsuccessful. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Smarty Plants on thousand year old interrupted fern April 03, 2005 We recently built a new home in the mountains of western Virginia. I am told by the local Botanist that there is a patch of "thousand year old interrupted fern" that runs through, among other pla... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Tropical-looking landscape in Austin, TX March 24, 2005 I'd like to have a tropical-looking landscape in my front yard. What plants would you recommend for Austin, Texas? I would prefer plants that can stay outside year-round, but will take suggestions on... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Identification of vine with red flowers, fern-like leaves March 10, 2005 Last year I saw a plant at the State Fair. It had small fern like leaves to it with beautiful little red flowers. It was a vine plant of some sort. They told me that it was native to the Hill Countr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Texas native plants for cemetery site February 09, 2005 I am trying to landscape my mothers gravesite located in far East Texas (just outside of Nacogdoches) and I am looking for some evergreen bushes or any other decorative plants for that area. I am thi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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