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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - April 12, 2006
From: Stanfordville, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Ground covers for sandy hill in New York
Answered by: Dean Garrett
QUESTION:
We have just built a new home and a sandy fill was needed around the house. It sits on a hill and the fill is very sandy. We would like to plant something to stabilize the bank that is native to the area and easy to maintain. It is a southern exposure and is very well drained. Can you suggest some type of ground covers?ANSWER:
If your sand completely lacks organic matter, you might want to consider adding compost to it before planting. Our Regional Factpack for the Northeast lists several plants as groundcovers but says little about their tolerance for sand. A brief perusal of field guides suggests that the following groundcovering plants native to New York might tolerate sand, though again adding organic matter will help insure success:Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
Northern Bayberry (Morella pennsylvanica)
Most of the information I'm finding about native northeastern plants adapted to sand focuses on beach plants that colonize moving sand dunes, probably not your situation. Your local native plant society or Wild Ones chapter might contain people who have experience with residential sand landscaping in New York. Also check our National Suppliers Directory to find local sources for purchasing natives.
More Groundcovers Questions
Benefits of Habiturf from Austin
August 19, 2013 - I have been reading about Habiturf and my question should be easy to answer. Is this is a grass you would recommend for kid play? Sitting on the lawn, kicking a soccer ball, etc.
Any information a...
view the full question and answer
Marbleseed (Onosmodium sp.) propagation and use as groundcover for
October 08, 2007 - I am interested in any information, esp. propagation & suitability as a landscape plant, (possible ground cover?) for marble seed. I have found it growing in deep shade on stream banks. It has a 4--...
view the full question and answer
Eliminating wood roaches from hardwood mulch from San Antonio TX
February 05, 2013 - How can I eliminate the numerous wood roaches in my hardwood mulch that I get for free from the city of San Antonio?
view the full question and answer
Groundcovers for Kingsland TX
October 11, 2012 - I am looking for a list of native ground covers and grasses(not lawn grass).
view the full question and answer
Is dichondra repens native from Hillsboro, TX
November 28, 2012 - What about diachondra repens? Is it native?
Thank you,
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |