Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Saturday - November 03, 2007
From: Wimberley, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Small plants for space between stones on a path
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
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 handle light foot traffic. The path is about 50/50 full sun and part sun. The path base is sand but I can put in about an inch of soil in the gaps Thanks!ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants thinks these three plants, alone or in combination, would be just the ticket:
Calyptocarpus vialis (straggler daisy)
Phyla nodiflora (Texas frogfruit)
Dichondra carolinensis (Carolina ponysfoot)
You might also consider one of the sedges, such as Carex planostachys (cedar sedge) or Carex texensis (Texas sedge), although they might be a little taller than you were wanting.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Goldenrod not blooming in Lecanto FL
September 19, 2010 - My goldenrod(fireworks) grows only like a groundcover(3" tall) and does not flower. It is in full sun in my garden in Lecanto, Florida(zone 9A). What could be wrong? Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Something eating Monarda didyma in Washington DC
June 30, 2011 - Please Help, I have a couple of Bee Balm, Jacob Cline, plants, whose leave are being eaten, by what I do not know. None of the nurseries around here seem to have ever heard of this happening to this p...
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for plants for a 45 degree slope in Falls Church, VA.
January 23, 2013 - Have a 45 degree hillside 50 feet wide by 60 feet long on north side of 26 story building. Very little sun with the need for soil retention plants. Would like a native plant or plants to cover area...
view the full question and answer
Salvia, geum transplant shock symptoms
July 21, 2006 - I need some help. I transplanted 2 xeriscape plants and they are not doing
well. 1 is Pitcher Sage-sorry I don't know botanical name; the other is
White Avens. The've grown a lot but all the leave...
view the full question and answer
Does a cenizo really predict rain in Austin?
July 18, 2009 - Mr. Smarty Plants, folklore has it that the flowering of Cenizo (aka Barometer Bush) is a predictor of rain fall. The Cenizo in South Austin is blooming profusely right now.
Does this portend a Noac...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |