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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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
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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Wednesday - July 18, 2012
From: Charlottesville, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Groundcovers, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Would Habiturf or buffalograss work in Charlottesville VA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Hello, I am looking for an alternative to traditional turf grasses. I stumbled upon some information on your site about buffalo grass and LBJWC's 'Habiturf' mix and would like to know if this would be feasible in Southern Virginia (2 sites) zones 6b and 7 with approximately 44" a rain a year. The soil is a clay loam. I can't seem to find any data that says that it would not survive, however I am also unable to find any definitive data that suggests that it will. If viable, I think it would be a great alternative. Any thoughts?ANSWER:
We get a lot of questions on the native grass mixes for Central Texas. Although this previous answer that we would like for you to read is from southeast Texas, it touches on the same points.
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
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October 29, 2008 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
Yesterday, I attended the plant sale at the Wildflower Center. I purchased cupgrass and switchgrass seeds only to discover the grasses may need more water than I am willing to u...
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May 04, 2014 - I have seen some other questions regarding native plants for erosion control, but I am looking specifically for plants that will do well on a hill in partial to full shade. I am told the soil in our a...
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Turf grass for part-time home from Louisville KY
April 28, 2012 - We have a small yard at a remote location with cistern water, and need a turf grass for a yard, clay soil, which I am willing to amend. It will receive sporadic attention as my husband and I do not l...
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Tall native grasses for privacy in Central Texas
June 29, 2013 - Hi-
I am looking for a grass that will grow tall and be thick for privacy. I live here in Austin east of 35. Obviously something draught tolerant would be great! Thank you!
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