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)
Monday - August 24, 2015
From: Philadelphia, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Rain Gardens, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs, Trees
Title: Need suggestions for plants for bioswales in Philadelphia, PA
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Hello, Are there a handful of species you would recommend for inclusion in bioswales throughout the US? I realize plants need to be selected based on climate, but I'm wondering if there are two or three that consistently thrive in diverse climates. Thank you.ANSWER:
Hello, Are there a handful of species you would recommend for inclusion in bioswales throughout the US? I realize plants need to be selected based on climate, but I'm wondering if there are two or three that consistently thrive in diverse climates. Thank you.
Mr. Smarty Plants often receives inquiries regarding bioswales and rain gardens. He will provide links for you to two publications that have tips for establishing rain gardens, and three previously answered questions; the first publication is from University of Wisconsin Extension , and the other is closer to your home; the Brooklyn Botanical Garden .
The previous answers are are from the eastern part of the US:
Philadelphia, PA
Hendersonville, NC
Baltimore, MD
You can research the plants that are suggested further by going to our Native Plant Database, and entering the name of the plant in the Search Box. This will bring up the plant’s NPIN page which has information about its characteristics, growth requirements, and in most cases, pictures.
By clicking on “ Recommend Species Lists” just above the search box, you can get a list of recommended species for Pennsylvania.
More Rain Gardens Questions
Native plants for rain garden in Collin Co., TX
November 09, 2006 - I am developing a Collin County Master Gardener’s program on Rain Gardens (in particular) and Rain Harvesting (generally.) I saw the recent article in your magazine about rain gardens and wondered if ...
view the full question and answer
Building a Rain Garden in Dallas
July 07, 2016 - We are designing a rain garden to catch overflow from two large rain cisterns. We need it to be filled with plants that can live with dry and wet conditions. The garden is about 500 to 1,000 square ...
view the full question and answer
Managing a wet area in Austin
November 18, 2013 - I suspect that my backyard lies at the very top of a creek watershed. However, all of the water flowing through it gets blocked by a solid stone wall. Whenever we get a significant rain event, part ...
view the full question and answer
Pond Plants for Eureka Springs AR
May 16, 2012 - I have a 1 acre pond that we are cleaning up. This area will be used for recreation and fishing. We plan to put native rock around some of the edges and need perennial plants that do well in rocky are...
view the full question and answer
Plants for difficult site in Jacksonville, TX
July 07, 2010 - East Texas (Cherokee County) red clay hillside, hard-packed, difficult to get to, 40' of it slopes 4' down in about 6'! Another 30' of it is flat. Between the hillside and the flat clay area is a...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |