Native Plants
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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.
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Monday - January 11, 2010
From: Marshall, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Grass planting time in East Texas
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
When is a good time to plant grass in East Texas - Harrison County? Thanks so much.ANSWER:
First, we trust you are planning to plant native grasses? The so-called "lawn grasses," things like bermudagrass and St. Augustine, are not only non-native but can be invasive, especially the bermudagrass. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to the growth, protection and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which they are being grown. We will operate on the assumption that native grasses are what you are planning.
To begin with, we suggest you read our How-To Article Native Lawns. This gives you extensive advice on choosing the grasses, planting and caring for them. For instance, it indicates that sowing of the seed should be in early Spring, which answers your question.
For more help with grasses, we suggest you take a look at the Native American Seed website. For instance, under "Grass Mixes" we found the Eastern Savannah Grass Mix.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
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Alternative to Habiturf™ for San Franciso area
October 05, 2014 - Will Habiturf thrive in San Francisco? My current sod lawn is dying because the soil has become extremely hard. I'll replace the top couple of inches but underneath is a mix of sand and clay.
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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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Grasses for a wildflower meadow in Greenville, SC
August 17, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I have been establishing a wildflower meadow in Greenville, SC. Our current wildflowers are:
Purple Coneflower
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Holding bare soil before sowing native grasses in spring.
November 03, 2009 - I want to try your buffalo/bluegrama/curly mesquite. Right now my yard is ploughed. What should I do until spring? I assume I should add living compost to the top 3", plant bluegrass for now, and ...
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