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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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Saturday - March 20, 2010

From: Colorado Springs, CO
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Non-Natives, Compost and Mulch, Turf, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Lawn Maintenance in Colorado
Answered by: Anne Bossart

QUESTION:

When do I begin to fertilize and water my grass in Colorado Springs? I am selling my house and want my lawn to look green?

ANSWER:

Sorry, you have come to the wrong place for that sort of information as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center promotes the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes.

You do not mention what type of turf grass you have on your lawn, but since native turf grasses are not very common, yours is likely a species we cannot help you with. If it were a native grass it would be adapted to your conditions and would require neither water nor fertilizer (but would still be happy if you added compost twice a year, to amend the soil).