Native Plants
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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.
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Wednesday - August 18, 2010
From: Syracuse, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Water Gardens
Title: Need water absorbing plants in Syracuse, NY
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I'm Looking for water absorbing plants and shrubs -not so much trees. My rain barrels and downspouts are still creating too much run off. I want to line a walkway and keep rainwater run-off from draining in neighbors yard!! Help!! The space is a partial to full sun area. Thanks for your help!!ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants thinks that your problem maybe calls more for a Hydrologist than a Botanist. All plants absorb water, but not to the extent that you want. Plants can divert the flow of the run off, but they can't eliminate it. Perhaps a landscape architect can design a drainage system that would keep the water out of your neighbor's yard, or maybe you can add more rain barrels to your collection system.
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