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)
Friday - September 25, 2009
From: Bertram, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs, Trees, Wildflowers
Title: Landscaping in Bertram TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have a landscaping job in Bertram, Texas and am looking for all my options as far as full and partial shade somewhat hardy plants. I'm mainly looking for small plants and pretty flowers I can do with or without. I'd like to know the bigger options too as far as bushes and shrubs. Thanks!ANSWER:
We're afraid we don't have time to teach you landscaping, but we have a number of resources in our Native Plant Database where we think you will find the information you need. You need to understand that the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the care, protection and propagation of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which the plant is being grown. Bertram is in Central Texas, of course, so when making your choices, look for plants native to the Burnet County area.
First, we're going to give you some inside reading, not outside reading, because this information is all in our Native Plant Database.
How-To Article: A Guide to Native Plant Gardening
How-To Article: Native Lawns
Just for Central Texans
Hill Country Horticulture - Native plants for the Central Texas Hill Country.
Sun Garden Plants for Central Texas - Native plants that work well in a full sun garden.
Pond Plants for Central Texas - Native plants that work well in water gardens.
Dry Shade Plants for Central Texas - Native plants that work well in dry shade.
Woodland Plants for Central Texas - Native plants that work well in woodlands.
Wetland Plants for Central Texas - Native plants for that work well in riparian areas.
Hummingbird Plants for Central Texas - Native plants that attract hummingbirds.
Container Garden Plants for Central Texas - Native plants for container gardens.
Finally, you can go to Recommended Species, click on Central Texas on the map, and follow instructions for making selections for sun, shade, soil moisture, shrub, tree, herbaceous blooming plant, etc.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Planting wildflowers and ryegrass in RIverside AL
February 07, 2015 - Love the name, enjoyed a visit last spring. We repaired a retaining wall about 300 ft. and want to plant wildflowers on a
strip 5 ft wide. Slope gentle to 1 in 3.5. Hauled in topsoil for fill.
Can ...
view the full question and answer
The origin of Juncus effusus var. Big Twister
May 04, 2008 - Juncus effusus, var. 'Big Twister' We're trying to figure out the nativity of this thing, and whether it is safe to plant in our very wet rain garden. Thank you for any assistance...
view the full question and answer
How do Venus flytraps really work?
May 13, 2010 - How do venus flytraps *really* work? I've read it has something to do with the hairs in their "mouth," but is there a chemical reaction going on? A physical "trigger"? Help me understand the Venu...
view the full question and answer
Difficulty with Clay Soil from Palm Bay, FL
August 22, 2012 - I had a very nice little native shady area behind my house for over 40 years, but now it has been cleared except for a 100 foot tall live oak in the center of this raised mound (50' x 80'). I've be...
view the full question and answer
Yucca blades damaged by weedeater in Hellertown PA
July 05, 2011 - Can I cut off the blades of a Yucca plant that have been eaten on the edges with a weed wacker and are very unsightly looking? Can they be cut back to the flower shaft?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |