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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 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 - August 11, 2015

From: Prior Lake, MN
Region: Midwest
Topic: Planting, Erosion Control, Shade Tolerant, Ferns, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs, Trees
Title: Erosion controlling plants for a shady Minnesota lakeside
Answered by: Guy Thompson

QUESTION:

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 yard. I want to put in native plants, bushes or ? My back yard is very shady and the embankment gets evening sun and is very steep.

ANSWER:

An excellent guide for developing your shady back yard has been published by the University of Minnesota Extension Service.  I suggest that you consult the lists for possibilities.  You could then learn more about each species by brousing through this Wildflower Center web site descrlibing many of the species.  Check for the availability of the plants at one of your local plant nurseries.

 

 
 

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