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
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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