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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Thursday - November 05, 2009

From: Elgin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Best sod for a yard in Elgin, TX?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

First time home buyer and the back yard will need to be sodded. What is an honest price range for this service for 213 sq.yds.? The site is in blackland prairie soil. What type grass is best suited for this area and is drought resistant and low maintenance?

ANSWER:

When you use the terms; grass suited for this area, drought resistant, and low maintenance, Mr. Smarty Plants' thoughts go to Buffalograss Bouteloua dactyloides (buffalograss). Two of our "How To Articles"; Native Lawns and Native Lawns: Bufffalograss provide a wealth of information about the characteristics of the plant, the establishing and caring for a lawn, and the benefits of using native grasses in your lawn. You can purchase Buffalograss sod from most local turf grass suppliers, and it can be installed this fall. We have no information about pricing for this service.

However, from the "Native Lawns" article you see that our research at the Wildflower Center indicates that a mixture of Buffalograss, Blue Grama Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama), and Curly Mesquite Grass Hilaria belangeri (curly-mesquite) produces a lawn that needs less mowing, watering, and weeding. This mixture is only available as seed at this time, and should be sown in the spring.