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
Monday - August 24, 2015
From: Philadelphia, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Rain Gardens, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs, Trees
Title: Need suggestions for plants for bioswales in Philadelphia, PA
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Hello, Are there a handful of species you would recommend for inclusion in bioswales throughout the US? I realize plants need to be selected based on climate, but I'm wondering if there are two or three that consistently thrive in diverse climates. Thank you.ANSWER:
Hello, Are there a handful of species you would recommend for inclusion in bioswales throughout the US? I realize plants need to be selected based on climate, but I'm wondering if there are two or three that consistently thrive in diverse climates. Thank you.
Mr. Smarty Plants often receives inquiries regarding bioswales and rain gardens. He will provide links for you to two publications that have tips for establishing rain gardens, and three previously answered questions; the first publication is from University of Wisconsin Extension , and the other is closer to your home; the Brooklyn Botanical Garden .
The previous answers are are from the eastern part of the US:
Philadelphia, PA
Hendersonville, NC
Baltimore, MD
You can research the plants that are suggested further by going to our Native Plant Database, and entering the name of the plant in the Search Box. This will bring up the plant’s NPIN page which has information about its characteristics, growth requirements, and in most cases, pictures.
By clicking on “ Recommend Species Lists” just above the search box, you can get a list of recommended species for Pennsylvania.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Native turf grass for Austin
March 24, 2014 - I am installing a xeriscape landscape in my yard. It will be in full sun and I am looking for an alternative to turf, such as monkey grass. However, I am concerned about the light. Suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Alternative to Habiturf™ for San Franciso area
October 05, 2014 - Will Habiturf thrive in San Francisco? My current sod lawn is dying because the soil has become extremely hard. I'll replace the top couple of inches but underneath is a mix of sand and clay.
view the full question and answer
Privacy screen from Simpsonville SC
May 04, 2013 - My neighbor cut down his part of our shared woods so now we see his whole "outside patio area". What kinds of fast growing shade loving trees and shrubs can we plant on our property line that will c...
view the full question and 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 the full question and 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 the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |