Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

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 - October 22, 2009

From: Oak Hill, OH
Region: Midwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Replacing firs with smaller plants
Answered by: Anne Bossart

QUESTION:

I want to pull out old fir bushes and plant smaller plants in their place. What could I buy that would take little care in my area?

ANSWER:

In order to properly answer your question, we need more information.  What kind of firs are they?  How big are they?  Where are they planted ... sun, shade, wet or dry conditions?  Are they foundation plants or overgrown shrubs in a border? You also do not mention if it is imperative that they be evergreen.

By doing a Recommended Species search on our Native Plant Information Network you will be able to select the plants yourself.  A reputable nursery in your area would also be happy to assist you.  There are a few nurseries in Ohio who are Associates of the Wildflower Center and will be able to provide more appropriate plants for your project than the "Big Box" nurseries.

 

 

More Seed and Plant Sources Questions

Seed sources for Mexican Gama Grass
August 28, 2006 - I'm trying to find a seed source for Mexican Gama Grass (scientific name is Tripsacum lanceolatum). Can you help me? Thanks.
view the full question and answer

Is Lycopodium digitatum native to South Carolina?
December 27, 2012 - Is Lycopodium digitatum native to SC; do you know if it's available in SC nurseries?
view the full question and answer

Number of seeds per pound for Curvepod fumewort from Bridger MT
June 17, 2010 - Do you know or where can I find the number of seeds per pound for Corydalis curvisiliqua-scrambled eggs?
view the full question and answer

Eating green wild plums
July 23, 2010 - As a child in south Austin I always relished eating green plums beginning in mid-May. My aunt had wild plum trees - more like bushes really - that fruited starting in late April. (Sadly, they died whe...
view the full question and answer

Recommendations for house plants for South Dakota
May 03, 2011 - Thank you for your web site! I live in Enning South Dakota, and I am new to this beautiful part of the United States. I would love to grow house plants but don't know where to start looking or what k...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.