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.
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.
rate this answer
Saturday - March 20, 2010
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Non-Natives, Compost and Mulch, Turf, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Lawn Maintenance in Colorado
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
When do I begin to fertilize and water my grass in Colorado Springs? I am selling my house and want my lawn to look green?ANSWER:
Sorry, you have come to the wrong place for that sort of information as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center promotes the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes.
You do not mention what type of turf grass you have on your lawn, but since native turf grasses are not very common, yours is likely a species we cannot help you with. If it were a native grass it would be adapted to your conditions and would require neither water nor fertilizer (but would still be happy if you added compost twice a year, to amend the soil).
We recommend you contact your local county agricultural extension office or a local lawn maintanance company. They will be able to advise you when to expect your lawn to break dormancy and start growing. Before that time, it is not a good idea to water or fertilize it.
More Non-Natives Questions
Non-native invasive creeping fig on oak tree
August 15, 2007 - I have a creeping fig in a pot that sits next to an
oak tree. It took to the tree as a trellis and looks beautiful. My
question is: is it doing the tree any harm?
view the full question and answer
Controlling non-native Pennisetum frutescens (Naked fountain grass)
December 07, 2014 - Three years ago I bought a pennisetum frutescans grass from a reputable online nursery. It gets no supplemental water, but it is taking over my yard. It is almost 7 feet wide now. Can you tell me how ...
view the full question and answer
Pictures of Bastard Cabbage from Dallas TX
April 07, 2012 - HI! Re your March 12 posting:
The USDA Plants website pictures two very different looking plants identified as Rapistrum rugosum (bastardcabbage). Would you please post a photo with leaf and bloom ...
view the full question and answer
Control of non-native invasive Japanese Barberry from Enfield NH
April 22, 2014 - I recently bought a home that is bordered by woods and a sizable area of invasive Japanese Barberry growing on a steep hill in and around a stone wall making it that much harder to dig up. I've alway...
view the full question and answer
Alternatives for non-native, invasive Dianthus spp.
July 02, 2006 - We're landscaping our 1963 ranch house in Austin, and we're trying to balance low water and wildscape concerns. Being just across the street from Shoal Creek means we're staying away from anything ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |