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)
Saturday - February 07, 2015
From: Riverside, AL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Planting, Grasses or Grass-like, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Planting wildflowers and ryegrass in RIverside AL
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
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 we plant wildflowers now (late Jan) with annual rye to help erosion until flowers get established? Or do you have another suggestion? Zone 7, last frost early April, lot of spring rain normal. ThanksANSWER:
This is a project that might have been better if started in the Fall. First I will share some links with information about annual rye and also some links about seed germination.
Annual ryegrass is a cool season grass that does best when planted in the fall and grows until the heat of summer. (Previous answer SP #9900) refers to answer SP #2933 which has other good links.
Here is a link to ryegrasses.com that explains the different kinds of ryegrass.
Here is a link to University of Vermont Extension talking about seed germination
These links to Native American Seed Company tell how to plant Native seed and grow Native wild flowers. The third article talks about growing native plants particularly on slopes with recommended species.
More Planting Questions
Need name of company with experience in Habiturf installation in Round Rock, TX.
January 24, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I read the article about "NATIVE LAWNS: HABITURF™ A MULTI-SPECIES MIX FOR NORTH, WEST AND CENTRAL TEXAS"
Do you know any landscape companies/groups in Austin - Round Ro...
view the full question and answer
Eastern redcedar uprooted by snow in Arlington, TX
February 14, 2010 - During the recent snowstorm one of our juniperus virginiana
fell over with the rootball looking intact and with a lot of soil all around it.Should we try to save it? It is approximately 20 feet tall ...
view the full question and answer
Transplant shock in Liatris spicata
May 25, 2008 - I bought a liatris spicata start a month ago, and transplanted it into my front yard (full sun, clay soil, moist due to all the rain recently).
The plant immediately wilted so I transplanted it in ...
view the full question and answer
Time of year to plant Texas Mountain Laurel in El Paso, TX
June 10, 2013 - When is the best time of year to plant a Mountain Laurel tree in El Paso?
view the full question and answer
Grouping plants according to water needs
February 05, 2010 - Explain how appropriate design/grouping of plants of the same water needs would make irrigation scheduling easier?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |