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 - 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
Viewing times for wildflowers from Ouchitas to Austin
November 03, 2006 - I'm a geographer and wildflower enthusiast considering a spring visit to the Austin area and want to find out the best time to view wildflowers and farm crops around Austin and also on the drive from...
view the full question and answer
French Provincial Garden using Natives
January 31, 2011 - I am designing a French provincial garden near Waco Lake, I am looking for some native shrubs and ornamental grasses to augment the myriad of lavender, roses, and lilies in the proposed design.
view the full question and answer
Frostweed under oaks
September 29, 2007 - Our 5 acre property is located about 12 miles West of Salado on FM 2843. Under our beautiful Live Oak trees reside some plants that are just coming into bloom (9/29/07). They are about 3-4 ft high wit...
view the full question and answer
Planters for wildflower exhibit in Jemez Springs NM
November 28, 2010 - I am planning to have a wildflower/pollinator exhibit at a visitor center located on a high elevation grassland (no trees). I would like advice on the size of the planter boxes.The area is located at...
view the full question and answer
Indoor and Outdoor, Fast Growing Plants for California
October 22, 2015 - I’m looking for the best plants for me. I have small kids so they would have to be safe. I would like them to be able to grow inside or outside. I would love for them to grow fast and reproduce fast.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |