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.
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Smarty Plants Question Topics
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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| Growing Evergreen sumac in clay soil of Texas August 19, 2011 I'm in need of a fast growing evergreen screening shrub/small tree. I'm considering the Evergreen Sumac but before I go further I need to know if this plant will thrive and remain evergreen in the D... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Drought affecting native trees from The Woodlands August 18, 2011 I've been trying to grow native trees in my yard for the past 3 years and I'm starting to question whether the amount of time required to spend watering them during the long hot season in Texas is r... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shade trees for Spring TX August 17, 2011 Dear Mr.Pants, our west-facing backyard in Spring, Tx, is unbearable in this Summer's heat. Neither us nor the neighbors has any backyard trees established yet, as the subdivision is pretty new. C... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Transplanting a redbud in August from St. Louis MO August 09, 2011 I have a 4' tall redbud that needs to be transplanted before the end of August because of construction on our house. Can this be done without killing the tree? Can I take a cutting from the tree and ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Selection of a small variety of Desert Willow for SE Texas August 02, 2011 Looking to plant desert willow as shrub. Any helpful tips to keep height down and plant full or bushy. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Need something to compete with Virginia wild rye in Bristol, TN. July 29, 2011 I have been working for 4 years to convert a large area of sunny lawn (150' x 40') to a native woodland planting, using native trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses. Although I used seeds of a variety ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Redoing garden in Memphis TN July 25, 2011 Please help. I don't know much about landscaping and plants and I am re-doing my flower bed. I recently had everything pulled out and I want to start fresh. The area that I will be working with is ap... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Yard Trees for Burleson, TX July 24, 2011 We need to replace 2 mature pear trees in our front yard, north side of the house in Burleson, TX. We are looking for faster growing trees that will last for decades that resist disease in clay soil.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Garden problems from Centreville VA July 23, 2011 Plants die, trees won't grow. I've replaced the soil (6") twice. Replaced grass twice and planted new plants and tree. After two yrs, the tree is still the same size and the flowering bushes nea... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Should I purchase wax myrtle plants as liners or pots July 18, 2011 I want to buy some wax myrtle over internet.Place has wax myrtle "liners" They look very thin. Will these bushes grow quickly or should I spend more $ for 1 gallon plants. Just need a hedge fairly q... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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