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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - June 14, 2008
From: Pflugerville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Privacy screen and windbreak plants
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I am searching for ideal plants to provide a privacy screen and windbreak for the north side of my yard. I live in Pflugerville..the soil seems mostly caliche but hits limestone a foot or so down. The area receives full sun and is very dry. However, we plan to install a french drain to dispose of our gray water along the plant line. My husband is allergic to cedar. The high winter winds and poor soil seem to be the biggest obstacles. Suggestions? Thank you! -Native NewbieANSWER:
Here are a few plants that should work well. All are evergreen shrubs that tolerate dry conditions, like full sun and are commercially available.Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel)
Mahonia trifoliolata (agarita)
Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush)
More Privacy Screening Questions
Vines to Cover Brush Pile in Maryland
April 29, 2013 - We have a large brush pile on our property that we'd intended to burn, but it is big enough now that it would require the help of the fire department! I'm thinking I'd like to cover it with native ...
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for privacy hedge in Northern NJ.
May 01, 2012 - Hi, I'm looking for advice on what plant would make an excellent privacy hedge in Northern NJ (Bergen County).
Ideally something low maintenance, about 5 feet tall, would act as a fence.
Thanks...
view the full question and answer
Plants for a property line in Birmingham, AL
August 15, 2012 - I am looking for a plant to help establish a property line. Our neighbor's landscaping/mowing company has a large turnover, and the new employees always get confused about where the property line is...
view the full question and answer
Vine for screening fence in Michigan
May 05, 2010 - Need a perennial vine to grow on a chain link fence, full sun, moist ground. Wanted to block view. If it flowers and/or attracts butterflies, all the better.
view the full question and answer
Plants to hide utility boxes
July 16, 2008 - What are suggestions for plants to plant around utilities boxes (3 of them clustered together) to effectively camouflage them but be attractive. We will outline a larger area in brick, plant evergree...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |