Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Saturday - August 22, 2015

From: Washington, DC
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Source of seeds or plants for 5 regions of Virginia
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I am a teacher and am planning a lesson about regional plants of Virginia. I would like to create a type of planter where we can plant seeds from each of the 5 regions in Virginia (Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont and Tidewater). Do you know of a collection of seeds I can purchase that would encompass these five regions and that would do fairly well as a group planting?

ANSWER:

You can search in our National Suppliers Directory for nurseries and seed companies in your area, but your best bet might be to visit the Virginia Native Plant Society webpage to see all the resources they have.  For instance, they have a list of 2015 Native Plant Sales across the area and an up-to-date list of native plant nurseries in the area.  They also have links to the various chapters with contact information in the regions you want to represent (e.g., Blue Ridge Wildflower Society and Piedmont Chapter).  Many local chapters have plant and seed exchanges at their meetings.  

This sounds like a very interesting project.  Best of luck!

 

More Seed and Plant Sources Questions

Source of seeds for non-native euphorbia peplus from Boynton Beach FL
March 10, 2011 - Where can I buy Euphorbia peplus? (milkweed) seeds, sap used in treating skin cancer?
view the full question and answer

Source for Guayacan (Guajacum angustifolium) in Texas
February 28, 2006 - Do you know where I can purchase guayacan (soapbush) or is it impossible to transplant?
view the full question and answer

Source for non-native mimosa plants in New Orleans
July 10, 2009 - We need potted mimosa plants for an installation in New Orleans. I hope you can help me or know of anyone who could help me with that. If so please let me know how much and how fast I can get about 1...
view the full question and answer

Bluebonnets for wedding in February
August 04, 2008 - I'm getting married in February 2009. My father passed away when I was younger and thus, won't be there to walk me down the aisle. His favorite flower was bluebonnets and I would like to include t...
view the full question and answer

Sources of Hypericum anagalloides (tinkekrs penny)
March 23, 2007 - I am currently in search of any place where I may be able to purchase some of the Tinker's Penny. Could you please assist with this in any way possible? Greatly appreciated.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.