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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Friday - February 13, 2015
From: Austin , TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Container Gardens, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Need suggestions for material to build a raised bed garden
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I am starting a raised bed garden but cannot find untreated railroad ties or landscape timbers. Does anyone have a source in the Austin or Dripping Springs area? I have tried McCoys, Home Depot, Natural Gardener already but no luck. Thank you.ANSWER:
It would seem to Mr. Smarty Plants that all wooden railroad cross ties, and wood sold as landscalpe timbers are treated. What you might want to do is consider non wood materias; stone or plastic wood or natural wood that is rot resistant.
This link to University of Missouri Extension discusses several aspects of establishing raised bed gardens. Another link to Better Homes and Gardens discourages the use of creosote treated cross ties and suggests other materials. Try this link for a list of rot-resistant woods that you might consider. This link to the US Forest Service also has a list of rot-resistant woods.
GIven your location in Dripping Springs, you might consider using Juniperus ashei (Ashe juniper) which is rot resistant, and in abundant supply. You might also want to contact the folks at the Travis County Office of Agrilife Extension for their suggestions.
More Container Gardens Questions
Plants for a container bog garden in North Texas
April 06, 2010 - I live in Plano, just north of Dallas. I've developed a recent interest in water gardens and am considering getting my toes wet with a container bog garden. I have an old galvanized wash tub that I...
view the full question and answer
Native small tree or shrub for container in San Angelo, Texas
July 01, 2010 - We live in San Angelo TX and are looking for some type of a bush/tree that will grow in a pot in a shaded area..we would like something that would grow to be about 5-6 feel tall and be rather narrow.....
view the full question and answer
Gregg's mistflower in pot from Vail AZ
August 04, 2012 - I recently bought a Gregg's Mist plant and don't know much about it. I live in Arizona and was wondering how well the plant will do if I plant it in a large ceramic pot? Will it continue to grow? ...
view the full question and answer
Suitable container plants for Austin
October 23, 2012 - Hi, I see some info on native house plants, but not much. I live in an apartment that doesn't get much direct sun (maybe 2 hours a day) -- is there anything for me native-wise (Austin) if I have to h...
view the full question and answer
Hanging container for west-facing house in Austin TX
March 03, 2014 - I'd like to put a hanging container in front of my house. The front of my house faces west and gets very hot in the summer time, with full sun in the afternoon/evening. What native Texan plants could...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |