Native Plants
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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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Saturday - April 14, 2007
From: Plano, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Groundcovers
Title: Ground covers for play area in Plano, TX
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Is there a ground cover that would work under and around a swing in our front yard in Plano, Texas. It would get morning sun and dappled shade from a trimmed live oak in the afternoon. It would need to stay low and would be walked on.ANSWER:
Phyla nodiflora (Texas frogfruit) is an excellent groundcover that requires little water and is evergreen in warm winters or in a protected area. Its maximum height is about 6 inches and it will take a moderate amount of traffic. It does spread vigorously.Your area may also have enough sunshine to support Bouteloua dactyloides (buffalograss). This grass needs little water and doesn't need to be mowed very often.
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