Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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?

Share

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

Seeding the banks of a large pond
October 18, 2011 - I have a 2 acre surface pond that is mostly a hard clay bank all around. The water level is way down and I will begin filling it very soon. I need to somehow being affordable, plant something or thing...
view the full question and answer

Source for Escarpment Black Cherry trees in Austin
January 04, 2010 - I live in Central Texas and I am looking for a tree farm or nursery that has Escarpment Black Cherry trees. They seem to be quite hard to find. Are you aware of any local nurseries that might carry t...
view the full question and answer

Indian paintbrush wedding
October 20, 2004 - I live in western Montana and have become quite fond of the flower known as indian paintbrush. I will be getting married this next July, and would like to incorporate the flower into my wedding; Howe...
view the full question and answer

Need resource to learn about plants to grow in Panama City, FL.
February 28, 2011 - Please provide me with a resource to go to and learn what I can plant and will thrive in Panama City Beach area (sand). I enjoy color and flowering plants as well as a variety of greenery. I am movin...
view the full question and answer

Source for blue phlox in Whitehouse TX
July 12, 2009 - Where can I purchase blue phlox ground cover? I live ten minutes from Tyler,Tx
view the full question and answer

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