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.
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.
rate this answer
Wednesday - December 08, 2004
From: Decatur, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Smarty Plants on wildflower meadow gardening
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
My local elementary school in Decatur, Texas (north central) has an open field of wonderful wildflowers in front of it. This year, they were mowed before the flowers went to seed. What is a good rule of thumb for when to mow or wait to mow wildflowers. I'd like to provide the school with information to make it a learning opportunity for the kids as well.ANSWER:
After the wildflowers have bloomed, do not mow until at least 1/2 of the late bloomers have dropped their seeds. You can find this advice and much more about wildflower meadow gardening by visiting the Native Plant Library on the Wildflower Center web page.More Wildflowers Questions
Early blooming wildflowers for PA
October 23, 2010 - What is the earliest wildflower to bloom other than the mountain laurel in Upper Northeastern PA? (near Honesdale, PA)
view the full question and answer
Origins of the Name For Blackfoot Daisies
April 20, 2013 - Can you tell me why blackfoot daisies are named “blackfoot”?
view the full question and answer
Something eating Monarda didyma in Washington DC
June 30, 2011 - Please Help, I have a couple of Bee Balm, Jacob Cline, plants, whose leave are being eaten, by what I do not know. None of the nurseries around here seem to have ever heard of this happening to this p...
view the full question and answer
Wet adapted plants for Virginia Beach VA
June 28, 2013 - I live in Virginia Beach, VA on Lynnhaven waterway (leads into Chesapeake bay, but at my point is more brackish). I've recently removed/contained bamboo with concrete and metal barriers and now want...
view the full question and answer
Peak time for bluebonnets to bloom in 2009
June 12, 2008 - Any idea when we can look for the bluebonnets to appear in 2009? Trying to have a reunion and want to see bluebonnets for the out of staters!!
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |