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 - November 17, 2005
From: Southlake, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Guidelines for planting native wildflowers on roadside
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
My 4th grade Girl Scout troop has chosen to plant bluebonnets and other wild flowers along TX Hwy 114 in Southlake as their project for their Bronze Award. Do you have a guideline that you follow when planting, i.e. when to plant certain seeds, who to contact not to mow, etc.? Any information you can give us would be helpful. Thanks.ANSWER:
What a wonderful project for your Girl Scout troop! You can start by visiting the Native Plant Library on our web page where you will find articles in PDF format to download. There are several articles that should be very useful to you; for example, "Planting Wildflowers Along Roadsides" and "How to Grow Bluebonnets". Finally, you might visit the National Suppliers Directory to find seed companies in your area that specialize in native seeds.You should contact the Right of Way Administrator for the Fort Worth District of the Texas Department of Transportation to find out who is in charge of mowing along TX Hwy 114 where you want to plant the wildflowers. You can find a Right of Way Division Phone List with names, addresses, and phone numbers on the Texas Department of Transportation web page. You should also visit TxDot's Wildflower Guide for the Lone Star State.
More Wildflowers Questions
What is blooming in NJ in Late November?
November 27, 2015 - I am a beekeeper in Edison, NJ. My bees are still bringing pollen even this late in the season (Thanksgiving). What plants or trees are still blooming? The color of the pollen is a pale yellow.
view the full question and answer
Monarda species seed for heirloom gardens in Wales
June 15, 2012 - Hello. I am trying to obtain seeds for the following Monarda species: - barletti, lindheimeri, russeliana, and viridissima. Our address is Wales, United Kingdom and we are hoping to obtain the full c...
view the full question and answer
Wedding Flowers for Alabama
July 03, 2015 - I am considering planting wildflowers for my wedding in early/middle May of 2016. Could I plant seed this fall and have bloom by late April in time for my May wedding?
view the full question and answer
Groundcover Suggestion for OK
April 24, 2015 - I need your suggestion for a groundcover for a flower bed in the sun and in the shade in Oklahoma.
view the full question and answer
Planting time for black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
April 18, 2007 - When is the best time to plant Black-eyed Susan seeds in Central Texas?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |