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.
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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.
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Thursday - April 10, 2008
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Septic Systems
Title: Native plants for septic field
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
We have a new Septic tank and field and I want to plant native seeds on the field instead of grass. Are there particular packages of seed that I can purchase or what else would you recommend?ANSWER:
If only it were that easy-buy a couple packages of seeds, sprinkle them around, and up pops a wildflower meadow. Unfortunately, that's not the way it works. Read our How-To Article "Meadow Gardening". It really explains the process far better than we could. Then, go to this list of Suppliers for the Austin area, find one convenient to you, and they will be able to help you with the plants you need, seeds, etc. In fact, since you live in Austin, you could come to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Spring Plant Sale this weekend, April 12 and 13, shop for plants, talk to gardeners who can help you, and even visit the Native Plant Society of Texas tent for seeds and more plants.More Septic Systems Questions
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February 09, 2015 - What would be good native plants to vegetate septic drip fields in both sun and shade in Southwest Austin. The regulations want plants that are evergreen and shallow rooted.
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September 15, 2011 - Is it practical to plant coneflower, garden phlox, etc. on a septic drain field?
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Using bamboo as a filter for odoras from a wastewater treatmen plant in College Station, TX
November 16, 2014 - My wastewater treatment plant is considering planting bamboo to create a filter for odors between it and the neighborhood. Are there any native plant alternatives that would function as well (if not b...
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Bald cypress knees in leachfield from Ventura CA
March 20, 2013 - Hey, I planted a seedling 20+ years ago which has turned out to be a 40'bald cypress that's now 40'. I'm a native southerner and would hate to cut it down but it's putting up knees in my septic s...
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Should non-native invasive Wisteria be planted near well and septic system?
May 05, 2010 - I was told not to plant my Wisteria vine near my septic or well because the root will get into it and cause me many problems. Is this true?
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