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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Saturday - March 20, 2004
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Laws
Title: Weed Laws
Answered by: Sage Kawecki
QUESTION:
Help! My neighborhood wants to mow down my native landscape! Can you suggest a resource regarding city regulations and native plant landscaping?ANSWER:
Cities and neighborhood associations often adopt weed laws and landscape ordinances that prohibit grasses and flowers over a certain height in an effort to prevent untidy or abandoned properties from becoming a hazard or devaluing property values. Unfortunately, these same laws and ordinances become restrictive in attempting to define beauty, and can conflict with native landscaping. As the native plant landscaping movement gains more momentum, the need to revise these laws and ordinances will arise. The EPA has developed an informative website that discusses how to challenge weed laws at: their website. I also recommend reviewing an informative article posted from the Wild Ones website.More Plant Laws Questions
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Are drought-tolerant landscape plantings protected by Texas law?
November 26, 2012 - I was told that Texas has a law in regards to drought tolerant natives and Homeowners Associations. Do you know what it states and how one can find a copy of it?
I got a notice from my HOA saying ...
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Rescue of roadside plants in Ashe Co.
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Can I move my Dwarf Orange tree from California to Florida?
April 12, 2012 - I am moving from California to Florida and have a small dwarf orange tree. Can I bring it with me to Florida? Thanks!
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Bluebonnets and the law
March 14, 2004 - Is it illegal to pick Bluebonnets?
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