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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Monday - March 22, 2004
From: Dallas, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Low maintenance native plants for sun in Dallas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What low maintenance ground cover would you recommend for a sunny backyard in Dallas?ANSWER:
Dallas, TX is in the heart of a region known as the Blackland Prairie, and buffalo grass would literally be right at home. It is drought tolerant, requires full sun, grows to about 6 inches high and can be mown infrequently. To learn more about buffalo grass, you can read and download an article about Native Lawns from our Native Plant Library. Other plants ground covers that may work for you include shade tolerant plants: Pigeonberry (Rivina humilis), Texas sedge (Carex texensis), meadow sedge (Carex perdentata), and cedar sedge (Carex planostachys). Find out more information by researching through our Native Plants Database, a service of our Native Plant Information Network.More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Eliminating crabgrass in Middletown MO
September 28, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I am having trouble with my lawn, specifically with the crabgrass in it. It now covers over 1/3 of it. I started using corn gluten meal this year, with limited tangible succ...
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Oak trees shedding leaves in Denton TX
May 27, 2012 - In Denton, TX we have two mature Quercus buckleyi. It is May 11th 2012 and one of these trees has been shedding green leaves for the last week. The only changes we have made are: planted English ivy...
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Help with Habiturf from Bertram TX
March 24, 2014 - I am a resident of Bertram..about 45 min northwest of Austin. I have 1.33 acres of land with my home on it. My front pasture is pretty nice native grass but my backyard is full of weeds. I'm guessing...
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Seed source for Carex texensis from Louisville KY
May 02, 2012 - Your reply to my question re a grass for my Kentucky home with cistern only water available was much appreciated, Carex texensis was recommended. I am unable to find this product for sale other than ...
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Ground cover for high traffic area in Pennsylvania
August 01, 2012 - I am wondering if there is a Pennsylvania native turf like grass/plant that can withstand a lot of foot traffic (public area with lots of children). This will be used in a formal setting so will need ...
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