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.
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.
rate this answer
Thursday - March 04, 2010
From: Hillsdale, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Meadow planting on a shale slope with shallow soil in NY
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
Need to elaborate on my previous question which I am sure will produce a different response. We have a very large slope, near the top of a very long driveway, that is in a sunny location and comprised of shale. There is no top soil at all. Some weeds and grasses do grow in the soil, but not many. Looking for plants that will grow and spread, without watering, in this difficult environment. Would love the look of a meadow, as it is a country house and is part of the entrance.ANSWER:
I'm afraid that we won't be able to help you much more than we already have as I can't really envision your situation.
You say there is no soil but that grasses and weeds grow so you will have to find plants that are as tough as they are. We recommend that you take a soil sample to your County Extension Office to have it analysed and then follow their recommendations. You could take the list we generated for you and see if they can narrow it further for you. You may also find the article on Weeds as Soil Indicators at garden-helper.com interesting.
Once you have an idea of which plants you would like to try you will be faced with how to get them established. Whether you choose seeds or small plants, you will have to provide some water.
Check out our How To Article on Establishing a Wildflower Meadow to see what you are up against. You will have to decide if you can turn this idea into a reality.
Again, we recommend you check with a local expert and follow their advice. Good luck with your endeavor ... may all your weeds be wildflowers!
More Wildflowers Questions
Viability of bluebonnets in Portland, Oregon
April 07, 2008 - My best friend lives in Portland, Oregon, and misses Texas wildflowers terribly. I would really love to send her some bluebonnet seeds (or even other native wildflowers) but I'm wondering if there a...
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on Wildflower Meadow Gardening
September 16, 2005 - Good morning! I want to overseed a buffalo lawn that has been down for about a year with a wildflower mix, how would you recommend that we prepare the site.
view the full question and answer
Flowers found blooming in February in Austin
November 17, 2010 - For people visiting from other states, which flowers usually bloom in February in Austin?
view the full question and answer
Native Texas plants that will grow in sandy soil and salt tolerant
June 08, 2005 - I am in the US Coast Guard and we are looking to plant some wildflowers. The plants will be near saltwater and may get exposed if the area floods during a tropical storm or hurricane. Being on the Gul...
view the full question and answer
Illegal to pick roadside wildflowers from Vilonia AR
May 11, 2013 - Is it illegal to pick roadside wildflowers in Arkansas?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |