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
Friday - March 02, 2012
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Edible Plants, Trees
Title: Planting fruit and nut trees in Mason County, TX
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I have 36 acres 15 miles west of the city of Mason TX. I wish to plant one acre plots of sustainable organic crops that are long term and hardy. (cost and effort not an issue) I plan to plant red maple, olive, peach and pecan, but I am looking for a comprensive list of all fruits/crops that I could plant in this location that migh do well. Please dont worry about soil and water, just if possible, give me a long list of all that might grow in this climate location. my sincerest thanks,ANSWER:
Before we get started, let me state that the mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. Of the plants that you mentioned, only maple and pecan trees are native to North America. Mr. Smarty Plants is thinking that you are more interested in farming than gardening. To that end, I’m going to refer you to the the folks at the Mason County Office of Texas AgriLife Extension who can probably be of more help. This is quite an ambitious project.
We often get questions of this nature so I am going to include links to three previously answered questions.
More Trees Questions
Long Island Barrier Beach Plants
April 22, 2013 - I live on the south shore of Long Island on a barrier beach and am landscaping my property as a result of Sandy damage. I am going with a sand base, and I am looking for suitable trees and shrubs for...
view the full question and answer
Growing non-native avocado outside from Austin
December 27, 2012 - My son has a very large avocado tree that he rooted from a pit that is currently growing in a large container. However, it has gotten too big to winter inside. Can it be planted in the ground in Aust...
view the full question and answer
Native plants for under a pine tree in Vevay IN
June 29, 2009 - At our office we have a very nice garden however, in the front we have a large pine tree. We cannot get anything to take root & live there. Do you have any suggestions for a native shrub or perennia...
view the full question and answer
Fast-growing tree for Wilmington NC
May 22, 2010 - What kind of fast-growing tree would you plant in Wilmington, NC?
view the full question and answer
Non-native Norfolk Pine suffering in Corpus Christi TX
August 02, 2011 - About ten yrs. ago I transplanted my Norfolk Pine into the ground in my backyard. With all the frosty weather of 2010/2011 the Spring brought a browning/dying of a lot of the Norfolk Pines in this are...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |