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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

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.

Search Smarty Plants

See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer

Not Yet Rated

Thursday - July 07, 2005

From: Poolesville, MD
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Native plant nursery
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I want to grow wildflower starts for tough-to-grow plants for retail and commercial sale. And I prefer organic, but, jeez, one step at a time. Any guidance on the ins and outs of this business? Do you have growers as members? From whom do you buy seed for mid-atlantic and southwest member buyers? I have land in Maryland and New Mexico and this is my second career. Thanks for any leads on learning the business. I look forward to the Conservation Development Forum on 8/19.

ANSWER:

Here are a couple of suggestions:

1. Visit the National Suppliers Directory on the Wildflower Center web page. You can find lists of nurseries and seed companies by state or region there. Some of these might be able to put you in touch with other growers in their area. You would also be making contact with potential buyers of your plants to learn what they need and want.

2. Contact the Native Plant Society of New Mexico and the Maryland Native Plant Society. They should be able to guide you to growers and sellers of native plants in their states.

Native Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

rate this answer

Thursday - July 07, 2005

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

More Seed and Plant Sources Questions