Native Plants
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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers Nan Hampton, Jimmy Mills and Barbara Medford to be the culpable and capable parties. Yet, others think staff members Damon Waitt, Joe Marcus and Philip Hawkins might 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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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Questions From Near You
snow hill, MD
Propagation of Emory Oak acorns
Dear Wildflower Experts,
By any chance do you know how we could obtain some Emory Oak acorns to plant on our farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland? I know it’s not a given that the trees would grow...
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Salisbury, MD
Groundcover for gravesite in Maryland
I know this is very unusual question but here I go. I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and I am looking for a low ground cover for my grandparents grave. The soil is very sandy and I am looking...
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Ocean City, MD
Oxalis crassipes identification
I'm trying to identify a plant that has appeared in several containers on my balcony. The largest plant is about a foot tall, with triangular leaves, small white flowers with yellow centers, and has...
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Millsboro, DE
Crows foot plant for Christmas wreaths from Millsboro DE
I am looking for a plant called crows foot to make wreaths for Christmas. Where do I find this plant.
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Ocean View, DE
Perennial native wildflowers in Delaware
I'd like to plant some perennial wildflowers around a fresh water pond near the beach in southern Delaware. Do you have some suggestions for native species that will grow in full sun?
Thank you...
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Georgetown, DE
Removing faded flowers from plants in Georgetown, DE
I bought a chamase rose quartz that was in bloom. now the buds are dead, should i remove them or just leave them on the plant. they wont just fall off. and the tips of the plant has new growth.
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Rehoboth Beach, DE
Survival of non-native Cape Plumbago in Delaware
I have a cape plumbago shrub growing in a large pot outdoors - but we are in Delaware - where it won't apparently survive the winter. How can I keep my plumbago safe over the winter?
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Lewes, DE
Problems with non-native Miscanthus sinensis grass in Lewes DE
I have morning light ornamental grass, which was just three days ago. The ends of the grass are shriveling up and appear to be dying; why is this?
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Cambridge, MD
Resources for wildlife garden in Maryland
I've recently bought a home in Cambridge in Dorchester County on Maryland's Eastern Shore. I want my small garden to have native plants that will sustain birds, butterflies and visiting wildlife. ...
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Cambridge, MD
Plants to grow in shady area near a pecan tree in Maryland
I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I have planted only natives in my front lawn. My backyard, which sports a pecan tree, fir, fig tree, and others I can't identify is dirt, just dirt. I have...
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Saint Marys, MD
Native grasses for hill in Saint Mary's County, Maryland
Is there a native grass or grasses I can mow on a hill that faces south and is too large to water in Saint Marys County, Maryland?
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Reedville, VA
Deer resistant wildflowers for Virginia
Looking for deer-resistant native wild flowers for full-sun location in the Northern Neck of Virginia. We want to replace large area now grass lawn.
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Oak Grove, VA
Native plant for container on deck in Oak Grove VA
What VA native plant can I grow in a container on my deck that will block the view from the neighbor's deck? I am thinking columnar. This is in full sun and gets hot winds off of a bay. The plant ...
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White Stone, VA
Plants that will do well in a water retention basin in White Stone Virginia
I am looking for plants to grow under pine trees in a water retention basin. The pine trees line the basin. When it rains it will hold water for about two to three days before evaporating. I have p...
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White Stone, VA
Chesapeake Bay Erosion Control from White Stone VA
Native Wetland Plants for Chesapeake Bay Erosion Control -- I have a wooded lot (pine and hardwoods)leading to 4-5 ft. wide flat shoreline edged with riprap. What native wetland plants survive salt wa...
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Dover, DE
Native Plant for Containers in Delaware
I live on the East Coast. I have a large covered porch that only gets some afternoon sun. I have tried full sun, partial sun and shade plants, and had no luck with them thriving. Can you recommend any...
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Dover, DE
Using Pensylvania Sedge in Dover, DE.
Regarding Pennsylvania sedge, I am thinking of planting the sedge along our driveway, which is under trees and not reached by our sprinkler system. Across the driveway, there is lawn. Is it likely tha...
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Cape May Court House , NJ
Will Canada geese eat Asclepias tuberosa from Cape May Court, NJ
Will Canada geese eat my butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)? I know this plant is deer resistant. I really want to plant some on sandy bank near pond in my back yard, but I fear the geese will ...
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Saluda, VA
How toxic are wild cherries for horses?
I purchased a beautiful piece of heaven in the rural suburbs. I have three horses and grow my own hay. Unfortunately, I have just learned the woods surrounding my field is lined with Black Walnut, Wil...
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North, VA
Shade tree for horses in North Virginia
I need to plant a shade tree for my horses and am considering a fast growing tree called an Empress Tree(paulownia). It would be outside of their fenced area but close enough to provide shade for the...
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Owings, MD
Where can I find Ilex verticillata in Maryland?
Do you have any suggestions where I might purchase a winterberry holly, ilex verticillata (with bright orange berries in the winter)? They are on our Maryland State highway on Route 3 (301) heading t...
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