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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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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!

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Saturday - January 02, 2010

From: North Port, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Groundcovers for Sarasota County, Florida
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I would like to replace the grass in my yard with native or any other appropriate ground cover. I live in North Port, Sarasota County Florida. I would be grateful for any suggestions. Thank you in advance.

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants found these groundcovers recommended by the Native Plant Society of Florida for the Sarasota County area and also in our Native Plant Database:

Canavalia rosea (beach bean)

Dyschoriste oblongifolia (oblongleaf snakeherb)

Ipomoea pes-caprae (bayhops)

Phyla nodiflora (turkey tangle fogfruit)

Sesuvium portulacastrum (shoreline seapurslane)

Sisyrinchium angustifolium (narrowleaf blue-eyed grass)

Zamia pumila (coontie) and here are photos and more information

Gaylussacia dumosa (dwarf huckleberry)

Vaccinium myrsinites (shiny blueberry) and here is more information.

Here are photos from our Image Gallery: