Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Monday - November 06, 2006

From: Angels Camp, CA
Region: California
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Methods of planting state wildflowers on roadsides in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

My garden club is initiating a program to plant state hwy 49 within our county with our state flower, California Poppy. Do you have information on using hydroseeding as a method of planting?

ANSWER:

Sorry, we do not have anything on hydroseeding as a means to sow large areas with seeds. We do, however, have several articles (e.g., "Large Scale Wildflower Planting" and "Planting Wildflowers along Roadsides") in our Native Plant Library that you may find useful for your project.

You may not be aware that Caltrans has an Adopt-a-Highway Program. From their Fact Sheet:

"Groups can participate by removing litter, planting and establishing tree seedlings, planting wildflowers, removing graffiti or by financially sponsoring a litter sweeper or roadside rest area maintenance...If you need assistance with the planting plans or need technical help, Caltrans staff will be available to assist you."

This information is from District 11 in southern California, but the Adopt-a-Highway Program is statewide. You should contact your District 10 office for information and assistance. Caltrans also has a brochure on hydroseeding and they might be able to help and advise you on using it for your project.

 

More Wildflowers Questions

Time of year for wildflower viewing in Northern Indiana and Michigan
April 22, 2007 - I used to live in the southern US but now live in Northern Indiana and was wondering if wildflower fields will be blooming here and in Michigan by early May (I was hoping to do some rural exploring th...
view the full question and answer

Desmodium spp. (beggar's lice) in Leander TX
November 11, 2011 - Our home backs up to a greenbelt on Blockhouse Creek in Williamson County, Texas (FM 1431 and Parmer Lane). The combination of the flood and drought has left our beautiful greenbelt with an abundance...
view the full question and answer

Weed killer and bluebonnets in Angleton, TX
March 18, 2010 - Is there a way to weed my yard with weed killer and not harm my bluebonnets?
view the full question and answer

Should I transplant my bluebonnets from the planter they came into soil in Austin?
April 10, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, Since moving to Austin two years ago I have fallen in love with bluebonnets. Last year I purchased seedlings from the Wildflower Center but a taste-first-evaluate-later inquis...
view the full question and answer

Wildflowers for NY that bloom in the first season
May 17, 2010 - Hi, I'm looking for native annuals that germinate the same season they're planted. There are many northeast native annuals but most of them require a season of frost to germinate the following sprin...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.