Native Plants
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Watering grass, before or after cutting it August 21, 2008 Should I water my grass before or after cutting it, after it has not been watered in a few days along with dry times? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
What is Andropogon saccharoides? August 06, 2008 I am reading Roy Bedichek "Adventure with a Texas Naturalist" I came across a reference to sage grass (Andropogan saccharoides)p. 23. I searched the data base and didn't any infromation abou... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Controlling sedge in vegetable garden in Mississippi August 03, 2008 I have a veg. garden surrounded by Purple Sedge. The nut grass has been contained/eliminated by replacing all dirt 1' down. Now the surrounding sedge is beginning to creep inward infesting the gard... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Hardy plants for a narrow yard in Illinois July 28, 2008 I have an area in my yard that is approx 35 feet by 5 feet that is shaded on the east by a 4 ft fence and on the west by the house and above by trees. It slopes off to the neighbors yard (so doesn't ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is nimblewil (Muhlenbergia schreberi) a turf grass or a weed July 26, 2008 Mr. SP, I have seen nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi) both promoted as a turf grass and disparaged as an invasive pest. Do you have an opinion on this grass and whether/where/how it should be us... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is Sedum recommended for a greenroof project in Houston July 23, 2008 Would you recommend using Sedum for a green roof project in Houston, Texas? Will the humidity effect the sedum? If sedum would be a poor choice, what would you recommend for Houston? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Evergreen native plants for slope in South Carolina July 14, 2008 We would like to plant an evergreen garden in our backyard, which is on a slope. It receives the sun from approx 9-4. We have an above ground pool, and patio area. Would also like a recommendation of ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Evergreen native replacement for liriope July 13, 2008 What is a good native replacement for Liriope that is evergreen? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants that are dog-proof in South Texas July 13, 2008 I live in Odem, Texas and would like to use only native plants in my front and backyard. I have two puppies who love to dig. What plants should I use that require minimal attention from me and will no... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Buffalograss for Houston July 08, 2008 Will 609 buffalograss sod perform well in Houston, Texas? I am being told that it will yellow and get filled with weeds and that it won't handle the humidity. Is this all true? Help, please. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Brown spots in St. Augustine grass July 05, 2008 Mr. Smarty Plants, My husband and I are in the Air Force and were recently moved to Cibolo Texas. We built a home and hired a landscaper to finish the yard May 07 (with irrigation system). We laid d... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Source for nitrates and phosphorus (P205) for lawn care July 04, 2008 I recently supplied soil samples from my back yard to my local extension here in Austin. I have a hybrid Bermuda turf grass (TIF 419) that has had its share of ups and downs, and wanted to assess the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Grasses and flowering plants for Dallas July 02, 2008 I have an area of morning sun next to my house about ten feet deep. I would like to mix a fairly tall grass with two other plants, flowering. What are some of your suggestions? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Low plants to cover bank too steep to mow June 26, 2008 I have a bank along the road that is too steep to mow. This bank faces east and only gets 2 - 4 hours per day of sunlight. I'd like to try ground cover to prevent erosion, however visibility is a p... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for edge of pond June 23, 2008 We live in Atlanta, Texas. My husband built a beautiful pond that is almost an acre in size. We are fortunate in that one side of the pond is covered by trees and a natural ground cover that keeps w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Retention of soil on bank in Pittsburgh, PA June 15, 2008 I have a steep bank in front of our house in Pittsburgh. We no longer want to mow this bank and wish to plant something that will spread and hold the soil. What do you recommend? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Problem with weeds in the buffalograss June 11, 2008 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I'm about to throw in the towel! My back 'lawn' of buffalo grass (609) is almost all 'weeds'! Native ruellia and lyre leaf sage have taken over and as the area has gott... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Landscaping on South Padre Island June 07, 2008 I'm in charge of landscaping at my beachfront condo in South Padre Island and find the wind, salt air, and heat challenging for growing almost anything. We would like to incorporate native plants, b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Cause of yellowing buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) June 07, 2008 We are getting large yellow areas in our buffalo grass lawn and think this is probably due to grub worms. Are grub worms the likely culprit and if so, what is the best way to get rid of them? We don... 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 | ||
Most ecological grass to grow in Austin May 29, 2008 What kind of grass is most ecological to grow in a neighborhood community in Austin? Is Bermuda good? Is Buffalo good? I live in a rental house and there are some bare spots in the yard that I'd l... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for narrow strip between sidewalk and fence May 01, 2008 I have a strip of land about 5 inches wide and 30 feet long -- between the fence and the sidewalk -- that I would like to plant something that would look nice and wouldn't require the weedeater every... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Landscaping suggestions for small yard in Alexandria, VA April 20, 2008 Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, My husband and I are preparing to till up most of our back yard and redo it. I'd like to use native plants, but am open to cultivars of them (as in, a column-shaped Ilex glabra... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Possibility of using weeping love grass on property in Keller, Texas April 19, 2008 What do you know about "Weeping Love Grass"? We have heard that it does not require watering (once the roots are established, fertilizing, nor frequent mowing. So we decided to plant it on our 2-a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native buffalograss in sandy loam April 19, 2008 I am in the Austin area and want to plant Native Texas Buffalo Grass in sandy loam from the Colorado River bed. Will this work? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Evergreen grasslike plants for Austin TX April 15, 2008 Hi, I'm in Austin, TX and looking for some evergreen grass-looking plants. Would you explain the similarities/differences between Butterfly Iris and Lily Grass in this regard? Thank you View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for Liberty Hill TX in full sun April 15, 2008 We recently bought an acre of land in Liberty Hill, TX. We have a large planting area in the front that is devoid of any plant life. I would like to turn this into a semi shaded area with some annua... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants for sandy soil and not much water April 14, 2008 I am planning a new garden at home and would like to grow native plants that can handle sandy soil and don't need much water. I do not water my gardens.I would prefer plants that can have more than o... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Viability of buffalo grass in Yuma, AZ March 30, 2008 Will Buffalo Grass grow in Yuma, AZ, where the temperature can go as high as 120 degrees in the summer? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Buffalo grass and other native grass for lawn in Central Texas March 17, 2008 Hi, I live in Cedar Park, TX - recently moved to into a newly built house. I wanted to put some native grass (like buffalo) in the back yard. - My back yard has slope (away from house) and front... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants that will grow in clay in North Carolina March 14, 2008 I have a small fenced back yard, predominately hard red clay, that is a major focal point. I am designing my own garden/yard area (to cut cost) and have a list of plants that will grow in this soil w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native grasses for Kansas City March 13, 2008 I live in a Johnson county suburb of Kansas City. I would like to have a section on my yard be native grasses. Can I drive the country roads and dig up clumps of the grasses I like? Will they grow?... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Hardy, inexpensive perennials for Mansfield, TX March 12, 2008 I am trying to fill two flowerbeds that are in full sun mostly and right next to the house. I want something that can live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and is pretty hardy. I also don't want to spe... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Assessment of Turffalo variety of buffalo grass (Bouteloua dachtyloides) March 05, 2008 Dear Mr.Smarty Plants, Now its March 2008, and your trial installation of Turfallo has had a year to prove itself; I'm interested to know your opinion of Turfallo Grass. There are such good e-c... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Trimming of native muhly grasses February 11, 2008 Do pine muhly, gulf muhly, and bull muhly need an "annual haircut"? I started wondering after reading that Lindheimer's muhly does not have to be cut back each year. I cut back all my non-muhly n... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) for horse pastures February 04, 2008 Can Buffalo Grass be used for browse for horse pastures? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Trimming of native Muhlenbergia dumosa (Bamboo grass) January 27, 2008 Should Muhlenbergia dumosa (Bamboo grass) be cut down in a similar fashion to other perennial grasses that go dormant in the winter. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native grass for Splendora, Texas. January 25, 2008 We have a newly built house on a two acre lot in Splendora (zip code 77372). We would like to seed (the best choice) for grass. What about centipede or buffalo grass? The soil is a sand with clay 4... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native grasses palatable for horses and eliminating KR bluestem. January 11, 2008 Looking for native Texas grasses which are palatable for horses, to overseed in areas which are currently overrun with KR bluestem. What are the best grasses and best way to accomplish this? (SW Gi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Post freeze care for Texas native grasses January 05, 2008 Can you tell me the best post-freeze care for Tx native grasses in my garden: lindheimer muhly, gulf muhly, inland sea oats. Mexican feather grass. Do I cut them back? Burn them? Leave them alone? T... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants for landscaping backyard in Central Texas January 02, 2008 We are starting from scratch in our backyard (approx. 200'x60')in Central Texas (Cedar Park). The yard faces West. What do you recommend for plants, trees, shrubs and grass that are native and will ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native landscaping plants for Sherman, Texas December 19, 2007 We are starting from scratch on landscaping our new yard. We live in Sherman, TX and I would like to use plants and flowers that are native to Texas and have a good chance of surviving. What are you... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Grasses for dry bottom detention ponds December 15, 2007 I am working on a project for my HOA in order to reduce mowing costs and to beautify our neighborhood. We were wondering if you could help us find people knowledgeable about dry bottom detention pond... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Getting rid of King Ranch bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum) December 12, 2007 I ranch approximately 1500 acres of land seven miles southeast of Marble Falls , Texas . At present, the land is inundated with King Ranch Bluestem; which as you know, kills by smothering all other na... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Mowable sedge for Zone 5, New York December 07, 2007 My wife (who is from Austin!) and I have a house in New York, warmish Zone 5. We are seeking a grass-like groundcover for lawn areas ranging from full to partial shade. We have a well-drained hill n... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Trimming of cordgrass plants November 20, 2007 We have planted more than 150 cordgrass plants (spartina bakeri) along the edges of the small pond at our condominium complex to try to prevent any further soil erosion between the buildings and the p... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for full-sun landscape November 20, 2007 I live in a very rocky area just outside of Fort Worth, TX. It's taken me all spring, summer & now I'm going into the fall, to landscape just 30 feet in front of my house. The front of the house get... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for a Zen garden in North Carolina November 03, 2007 I am looking for plants that would be suitable for a ZEN style garden in North Carolina View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Small plants for space between stones on a path November 03, 2007 We've just installed a stone path (unmortared) near our house and are looking for plants/seeds that would do well in the gaps between the flagstones. Naturally they need to be very low growing and h... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Weed and feed for buffalograss October 30, 2007 What is a good winterizer or weed & feed for buffalo grass? I live in Southwest Austin. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Small, flowering, evergreen plants for hillside in Austin. October 27, 2007 I have a steep, dry hillside measuring approximately 4 feet high by six feet wide. I want to plant low growing, evergreen, flowering plants across the bed that will flower as long as possible, and thr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Winter expectations for Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) October 08, 2007 I planted some buffalo grass (from seed) in April of this year. I’ve got a nice patch now, though it’s starting to brown up some. I’m wondering what to expect from this patch over the winter- will i... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) and buffalo grass mixes October 05, 2007 I live in Austin, TX and have visited the Wildflower Center in the past and enjoyed the display of native grass mixes. Can you tell me about the variations of buffalograss mixes... which ones are most... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Shorter drought-tolerant grasses August 31, 2007 We live on 1 1/2 acres near Dripping Springs. We have a variety of grasses, mostly tall, on the back and side of the property. Is there some type of drought tolerant shorter grass or wildflowers or gr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Encouraging native grasses to flourish August 23, 2007 We have been trying to restore the yard around the house with native grasses and forbs for the last two years. The soil is clay and nothing seems to grow. We have distributed 5 truck loads of mulch, p... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Green wall panel for Dallas August 21, 2007 We are working on a green wall panel for a hotel near SMU--I see your list of recommended species for green roofs, & wondered if you have any ideas for vertical applications. Probably will have someth... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Inland sea oats as backfrop for pigeon berry August 20, 2007 I am thinking of using inland sea oats as a backdrop for pigeon berry (Rivina humilis) in a shady area along my foundation. Will this combination work, or will the sea oats outcompete the pigeon berr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Care of buffalo grass after wet season August 15, 2007 I'm asking for your advice on what to do with my buffalo grass lawn. With all this rain, I've managed to pull the weeds as they pop up in my front yard, and it looks good, except for a couple of... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Identification of native grasses little bluestem and switchgrass August 09, 2007 If you drive east of Austin on Hwy 71, there is a bluish looking grass that has become very noticeable since the heavy rains in July. The blades grow straight up and each plant is in clump form. Do ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Flowering native perennials for St. Louis August 09, 2007 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I'm trying to landscape a yard that sits on rocky clay soil in St. Louis, MO. The front yard has been difficult because of its brutal southern exposure - the afternoon sun ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Practicality of Cedar Elm and buffalo grass in clay soil in East Texas July 31, 2007 Dear Mr. Smarty Pants, I live in Katy Texas on what used to be a rice field. The soil either has a lot of clay in it or in places is just solid clay. Will any kind of buffalo grass grow here? I'v... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Blue plants or flowers in Baltimore, MD July 27, 2007 I have a taxi company in the city called Bluecab. The headquarters is in an industrial area and the soil is tough and well, industrial. There will be no watering or maintenance done. Looks like a car ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Prairie and wetland restoration in Nebraska July 20, 2007 We recently bought property south of Crawford,NE near the Pine Ridge area. It has been grazed by horses for years. We'd like to restore the native grasses and flowers. I have no idea where to begi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Ornamental bunch grasses to grow under live oak June 25, 2007 I love live oak trees and have one in the back yard that is growing nicely. I don't know if it's the shade or the leaf and acorn droppings that won't allow the grass to grow underneath it. Around... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Distinguishing Bermuda grass from Buffalo grass June 14, 2007 Is Bermuda grass taking over my Buffalo grass lawn? I recently sodded a small area of Buffalo Grass 'Prairie' (last fall). It's doing beautifully, or so I think. There are stolons running and reach... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Difference between Pseudoroegneria spicata and Elymus trachycaulus May 21, 2007 What is the difference between Pseudoroegneria spicata and Elymus trachycaulus. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Types of Eragrostis lovegrasses that will survive in Northern Wisconsin May 21, 2007 I am interested in plains lovegrass, and know that it primarily grows in southern climates. Do you think it could thrive in northern Wisconsin if it is planted in a protected area? Could it survive ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Growing native grasses in containeers in Illinois May 16, 2007 Hi. How well would native grasses grow in container gardens in Illinois? What soil would you suggest? Thanks. 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 | ||
Arisaema triphyllum as an insect eater April 14, 2007 Is the Jack in the Pulpit an insect eater? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Practicality of Bouteloua dactyloides as turf grass in Pflugerville April 07, 2007 I live in Pflugerville next to Pfluger park. The soil is pretty rich there and I'm looking for a good turf grass to replace the weeds in the front yard. Someone recommended Turfallo. What do you th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Suggested plants for between flagstones in Austin, TX March 24, 2007 I would like to plant something between my flagstones on patio. I am taking up the cement mortar and want something that doesn't require a lot of water, low growing, and can stand a little traffic. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native grasses as low-water option for ranch yard March 19, 2007 We have a weekend ranch in LLano Texas and are looking for a grass to plant in the front yard. (approx 3/4 acre) The house is very small and cute but not a real big fancy house. We do have a fence aro... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native sedges for Texas March 07, 2007 What can you tell me about Texas Blue Sedge? What its true name and culture requirements? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native wildflower habitat for North Carolina January 24, 2007 I am from North Carolina and have been gradually establishing a wildflower spring garden. I now have a beautiful display of bluets and cornflowers that grace my front yard in the spring. Most of this... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Frequency of mowing on native grasses November 17, 2006 I live on 5 acres in TX Hill Country. I love the native grasses when they are high and blowing, etc. My husband insists on mowing, claiming that by mowing, the grasses grow more rapidly over the dry... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants to make houses for sale more attractive November 03, 2006 I could use your suggestions: I have 2 small houses in Dallas which I am trying to sell, and would like to beautify -- with plants. Currently there are no shrubs or groundcover or trees -- nor anyo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native alternatives to St. Augustine for under an Arizona Ash October 12, 2006 I live in Mansfield, TX. We have a large Arizona Ash tree in our back yard. No grass will grow under it. We are thinking of laying sod (St. Augustine) there. Is this a good solution and if so, whe... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Control methods for Cenchrus spinifex, Coastal sandbur September 22, 2006 I have some of the nicest, thickest, greenest grassburs in the county of Erath. What is the best and quickest way to get rid of them? I have heard of a product called cornmeal gluten. Any info appreci... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native fescues and sedges for turf in New York July 25, 2006 Hello, Came across your contact info while googling and hoped you could help answer a question or direct me to another resource that can. I am looking to redo my entire landscaping with native NY ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Xeriscaping in clay on a slope in Fort Worth April 06, 2006 Xeriscaping in clay (Fort Worth) on a slope -- Please offer suggestions and publications. Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Alkalinity-tolerant grasses July 24, 2005 Dear Sirs - Are you aware of any grass species that could survive in strongly alkaline soils (ph from 10 up to 12) Thanks a lot. 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 | ||
Wildflower meadow on former cattle pasture in North Carolina May 17, 2005 We have purchased approximately 7 acres of land in North Carolina. A neighbor has been using the land for grazing his cows, but I hope to plant it with wildflowers once we've built a small house. W... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native, durable, drought tolerant grasses for Amarillo, TX May 13, 2005 Are there any kinds of native grasses that are drought tolerant, durable and able to survive heavy foot traffic, and native to the Amarillo, Texas area? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Replacing grass with native Texas sedges March 24, 2005 I have been trying to grow native Texas sedges instead of grass in my back yard for the last two years. Much of it is shaded by a canopy of elms, juniper, and oak. I have put a local organic fertili... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native Hill Country grasses, flowers for April garden show March 17, 2005 I will be a first ever (!) exhibitor in my garden club's garden show this April 7. Our theme is The Passion of Texas - my specific category is The Hill Country. Help!!! All materials I use must be al... 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 | ||
Possibility of root rot in Praire flame-leaf sumac July 08, 2004 I bought a prairie sumac two years ago and it was fine until recently when we had a lot of rain in Austin. Now the leaves are all brown and it appears to be dying. Is there something I can do? I reall... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Solarization and hand-pulling to remove invasive weeds June 20, 2004 We are planting a field of native grasses, and prepared the landscape by solarization last July. However it now seems that the weeds returned with great vigor. Is there any other method to get rid of ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Low maintenance native plants for sun in Dallas March 22, 2004 What low maintenance ground cover would you recommend for a sunny backyard in Dallas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Mixture of native grasses as opposed to buffalo grass monoculture November 26, 2003 My husband and I just built our home on Lake Travis. Our lot is very rocky and is on the side of a hill. We would like to plant something on the incline at the front of our home that doesn't need a l... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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