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
Wildflowers and grasses for a septic field in Maine
November 18, 2010 - Mr. Smarty Pants: I want to know the length of root systems for native Maine wildflowers that will be planted over a septic system drain field in Maine. Also any grasses you can think of. This area ...
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Plants for a Septic Field in NC
August 14, 2013 - What kinds of low water plants can I plant over a new septic field in North Carolina? The area is part sun so I am concerned about having trouble getting grass started.
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Desert Willow Roots from Lubbock, TX
September 18, 2014 - I have a very, very happy Desert Willow that has grown larger than we expected and is probably too close to the house. Do I need to worry about a cracked foundation or pipe problems? Thanks!
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Tree roots in sewer from Paragould AR
September 30, 2012 - I have beautiful pecan trees, an apple in the back yard, a pine on the west side of the house and pecan trees in the front yard. Two trees are interrupting my sewer systems (at least one in the back y...
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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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