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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Tuesday - July 31, 2012
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Compost and Mulch, Groundcovers, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Will Habiturf thrive in Houston?
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Will Habiturf grow in partial sun? My lawn is surrounded by trees so that there is only about an hour each day with direct overhead sun. The rest of the day there is a light shade.ANSWER:
We are afraid the quick answer is "no." Attempts are being made to develop native grasses that will do well in shade, and there are some, but they are not what you would consider a lawn grass. We have information on our website prepared by the researchers who have developed Habiturf, and we suggest that you read them to understand the conditions and preparation required. Meanwhile, you might consider other replacements for the standard, water-slurping lawn, such as decomposed granite for walkways, surrounding decorative plant beds, and mulch for covering roots and protecting the soil beneath large trees, which seldom permit the growth of grass beneath them.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Request for native grasses from Hillsboro TX
August 04, 2012 - P.S. I forgot to mention one very important fact: my neighbor specifically asked for "native grass" recommendations. He thought he was getting a native grass recommendation.
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Growing grasses under juniper trees (Juniperus ashei)
October 29, 2008 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
Yesterday, I attended the plant sale at the Wildflower Center. I purchased cupgrass and switchgrass seeds only to discover the grasses may need more water than I am willing to u...
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Will Bermuda grass survive a drought-induced dormancy?
August 12, 2015 - If I stop watering a Bermuda grass lawn and let it go dormant, will it green up again when it rains again?
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Bermuda, not the only option in Memphis
November 04, 2014 - I'm building an energy efficient home in Memphis and want to extend that strategy to the landscaping. I'd like to plant native grasses, but this lot is surrounded by lots sodded with Bermuda grass....
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Plant to stabilize river bank in Wisconsin
July 10, 2011 - We live along the Chippewa River in Pepin County WI and are looking for a blooming plant to help "hold" our river bank and also look attractive..it must be strong enough to take the spring flood.
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