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)
Friday - July 25, 2008
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Turf
Title: Blocking stolons of St. Augustine grass
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have St. Augustine in my yard, and I am sick of edging the stolons that grow onto the sidewalk and driveway. Is there any way to stop the stolons or block them so that I can just mow and throw away my edger forever? Thanks.ANSWER:
Apparently not. It sounds like a great idea though, training the stolons to stop at a designated spot. After all, you know that they can't grow in concrete, but try and convince the grass of that. Before you believe one of those ads about "spray-on" edging, remember that it is a plant poison that can kill a whole lot of grass just because you've sprayed it on runners. And the drift from the spray can kill a whole lot of other stuff. We guess the question is: How tolerant of a little untidiness are you? As we pointed out, the runners will only go so far and give up, because there is no dirt under them, and hopefully they're not being watered, either. If you're going to grow turf grasses, you're going to have to learn to live with their habits, because they're not going to change those habits to suit you.
More Non-Natives Questions
Wintering non-native liriope spicata indoors in Chillicothe IL
November 08, 2013 - I live in zone 5, zip 62523, wintering liriope spicata starter plants in basement, ambient consistent. Do I need grow lamps or is the plant satisfied being dormant as long as I do not let it dry out? ...
view the full question and answer
Getting rid of non-native, invasive English Ivy from Davidsonville MD
March 19, 2014 - Just moved and need to rid the well established Ivy planted on the steep slope area around the back and side of the house as it is taking over the bushes on the top and trees in forested area at botto...
view the full question and answer
Can Allamanda cathartica be used as an insecticide
October 31, 2008 - is allamanda cathartica can be used as an insecticides?
view the full question and answer
Fuzzy Citrus Fruit on Satsuma and Lemon Trees
September 13, 2014 - A man asked you about fuzzy little small fruit-like balls that looked like tiny lemons. I have huge numbers of these on both my mature Satsuma and lemon tree this year. I get 100's of really great f...
view the full question and answer
Donation of seeds of Silphium Terebinthinaceum to India
October 03, 2009 - Hi,
I am located in India. I am planning to plant Silphium Terebinthinaceum in my garden in India. Please let me know who can donate me seeds to India. I need 20-30 seeds.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |