Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Thursday - September 23, 2004
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Smarty Plants on mowing schedules
Answered by: Stephen Brueggerhoff
QUESTION:
What would be the ideal mowing schedule to allow for a spring and summer bloom of wildflowers? My neighborhood maintains it's own roadsides and has the opportunity to increase the number of wildflowers and control any mowing that would be done in these areas.ANSWER:
As you have stated, when, where and how you mow will greatly affect the vegetation you have on your site. Depending on your growing season, maintenance mowing at around 6 to 8 inches in early Spring (say, mid to late February, again depending on your ecoregion), can be performed & not have a lasting detrimental impact on the species that are overwintering & actively growing toward bloom. Regarding Fall, we recommend mowing pastures and predominant grass occupied areas that may contain wildflowers after they have gone to seed to allow the plants to spread and return the following year. On average we advise folks to mow at a height of 6 to 8 inches, however, the mowing height is greatly dependent on the existing plant community and desired outcome.The Wildflower Center offers consulting services to help landowners manage property. We specialize in savannas and wildflower meadows. If you are interested in our consulting services go to our Consulting webpage, or contact Steve Windhager, Director of Landscape Restoration, at 512-292-4200. If you live in the area, you can set up an appointment for "free" advice if you come to the Center and bring the necessary, photos, maps, plans etc.. to help us understand your project. Billing begins when our staff visit your property.
More Wildflowers Questions
Plant Suggestions for Shady Site under Trees in Alabama
April 03, 2014 - I live in Montgomery, AL and have a bare area (20' x 5’) that's shady and soil erosion is a problem. Grass stops growing at the drip line of the trees here. Do you have any suggestions for growing s...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting bluebonnets to garden from Columbus TX
January 30, 2014 - Is it possible to transplant bluebonnets from pasture to garden and if so when is the best time to do this? Thank you
view the full question and answer
Interested in planting wildflowers in the area of Paige, TX.
November 02, 2010 - Interested in planting wildflowers in the area of Paige, TX.
view the full question and answer
Wildflowers blooming in Austin in October
June 10, 2008 - Does the Austin area have any flowers that grow/bloom in October? I'm getting married in Austin in October and want the entire event to be as earth-friendly as possible..hence native flowers.
view the full question and answer
Does Texas Thistle have any scent from Austin
March 26, 2010 - Does the Texas Thistle have any particular aroma. We are doing a report, and cannot find the answer to this question anywhere. We have also driven all around local Austin, and cannot find any on the...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |