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

Monday - February 20, 2012
From: West Islip, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Planting, Trees
Title: Spot for communion and tree planting on Long Island
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I'm planning to combine my son's communion and a tree planting memorial for his uncle/godfather that passed on Valentine's Day. I'm looking for a venue on Long Island that can combine both on May 19th. I welcome suggestions and ideas. Thank you!ANSWER:
Even though we answer questions on plants native to North America and get questions from all over the world, we believe that question is better answered locally. We suggest a venue for the communion first, a religious structure, etc. Then you can work with the responsible people at that location on where they would like to have a tree, and if if the space could be converted into a gathering place for family and friends to attend both ceremonies, perhaps the religious ceremony inside and the tree-planting outside on the grounds. It might be best to consult with a licensed arborist on what trees would work best in the soils and environment chosen, as well as offering you a selection of trees. That arborist would also be prepared to tell you where NOT to plant the tree, in terms of interfering with other landscaping, hardscape such as buildings, driveways and sidewalks where the growing roots could cause damage over time.
Finally, we urge you to choose a tree native to your location that is already enabled by centuries of experience to prosper in the temperatures, rainfall, sunlight and general climate. You will have commemorated the honoree with something that will provide oxygen for humanity, a storage place for carbon in the soil, and homes for wildlife. We like the idea very much. Here is a list of trees native to Suffolk County:
Carya alba (Mockernut hickory)
Carpinus caroliniana (American hornbeam)
Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic white cedar)
Crataegus mollis (Downy hawthorn)
Fagus grandifolia (American beech)
Liriodendron tulipifera (Tuliptree)
From the Image Gallery
More Planting Questions
Taking bluebonnets to Anchorage AK from Sealy TX
June 10, 2010 - Moving to Anchorage Alaska from Texas and I am bringing bluebonnet seeds to plant there. Will the moose eat these plants/flowers?
view the full question and answer
Need a shade tree for an enclosed courtyard in Las Cruces, NM
September 24, 2012 - I HAVE A WEST FACING COURTYARD ENCLOSED WITH A 6' STUCCO WALL AND I WANT TO ADD A SHADE TREE. CURRENTLY HAVE SEVERAL MESQUITE TREES, DESERT WILLOW, CHINESE PISTACHE & VITEX TREES IN THE FRONT AREA ...
view the full question and answer
Native plants for under a black walnut from Lansing MI
October 04, 2012 - What native plants can you recommend that will grow in Michigan under a mature black walnut tree?
view the full question and answer
Vine Choices Scarce in Beaverton Oregon
June 08, 2012 - Hi,
I am looking for a hearty vine that we could use to cling to and cover a cement wall that is about 8 feet tall and 30 feet long. It is on the south side of our house but never gets direct sunli...
view the full question and answer
Quick and EZ way to cover bare spots in lawn with grass
March 09, 2015 - We recently had to dig up our lawn to have a pipe replaced. We now have a long strip of our yard that is either dug up or covered by some of the dirt that is dug up. We want to fill in the grass. W...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |