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

Wednesday - October 20, 2004
From: Woodbridge, VA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: What to plant in northern Virginia
Answered by: Stephen Brueggerhoff
QUESTION:
We have recently purchased 10 acres in Northern Virginia, and would like to plant native wildflowers on 4 of the acres. The soil has a high clay content and is currently covered in a mixture of grasses that are periodically bush-hogged. How do we find out about what to plant and where to find the seeds?ANSWER:
The Virginia Native Plant Society, in cooperation with the Virginia Division of Natural Heritage & Department of Conservation and Recreation, provide a list specific to plant type, habit, ecotype, and requirements to assist the homeowner with decisions regarding landscaping with native plants. Also, VNPS provides an on-line reference recommending particular reputable nurseries that match your criteria.More Wildflowers Questions
How and when to harvest bluebonnets.
April 30, 2010 - A previous answer mentioned harvesting bluebonnet seeds by pulling up the whole plant when the seed pods turn brown. Two clarifications - when do the seed pods turn brown as these plants are hard to ...
view the full question and answer
Shrubs for Birds and Bees in North Texas
December 17, 2015 - I have a small backyard and would love to grow native plants for North Texas. I don't think I can grow trees, but for sure can do 1-2 crape myrtle-size shrubs. I have some rose of Sharon's going on ...
view the full question and answer
Possibility of replacing Bermudagrass with native grasses and wildflowers
November 24, 2008 - Are there any native grasses and wildflowers that can compete with bermuda grass to make a nativ-y wild area without removing the bermuda?
view the full question and answer
Wildflower seeds that drop into a sidewalk crack
May 31, 2006 - This is an odd question. I'm writing a children's book about a seed that gets dropped in the crack of a sidewalk or driveway and blooms there. Can you tell me if there are any wildflowers that it ...
view the full question and answer
When do bluebonnets bloom in Austin
January 03, 2008 - When do Blue Bonnets bloom in Austin? We have someone who wants to come visit and see the Blue Bonnets and I want to tell them the right time of year.. Thanks!!
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |