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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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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ever wondered what the best flowers and plants are for your garden? Search our extensive database of frequently asked questions - and their answers! 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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See a list of all Smarty Plants Q & As

Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
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Most recently answered

Fast growing groundcover for New York
September 02, 2010
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I love your site! But I can't quite find this answer: can you recommend a fast-growing groundcover native to southern NY State (Dutchess County) that I can plant NOW (Augus...
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Erosion control for steep shady hillside in Massachusetts
September 02, 2010
What would be a good plant for erosion control on a steep, very shady hillside in Massachusetts?
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Native plants for Jonestown/Leander
September 01, 2010
Dear Mr.Smarty Plants, I am new to Texas we bought a house here in Jonestown/Leander that has absolutely no plant life whatsoever I was wondering if you could provide me with the names of some drough...
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Transplanting yucca pups from Dallas
September 01, 2010
Can I transplant Pup Yucca plants off of the main yucca and how do I cut them off?
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Soapberry tree problems in North Richland Hills, TX
September 01, 2010
We have a small grove of soapberry trees. The city recently reconstructed the street and added a side walk which now sets as close at 1 foot from the nearest tree. Everything seemed fine until they ...
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What about Asian Jasmine and scrub oaks?
September 01, 2010
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I have several clusters of native scrub oaks in my yard. I planted Asian jasmine under them many years ago. The trees look fine, but an arborist has told me that the Asian ...
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Fighting ants and bugs in Richardson TX
September 01, 2010
Before my blue fall asters and my Clara Curtis (perennial) mums bloom in a few weeks, what can I do to help prevent the ants and other bugs from eating them to death- so I can enjoy them a bit longer ...
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Copper Canyon daisy leaves turning yellow in Spring Branch TX
September 01, 2010
My Copper Canyon daisies have grown well this year but the leaves are turning yellow. Any ideas?
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Need help identifying a deciduous weedy shrub in Ridgefield, CT.
September 01, 2010
My overgrown property is blanketed in a deciduous weedy shrub. Its not Autumn Olive. The stems have large thorns and the shrub is comprised of many thick woody stems that, when cut have a distinctive ...
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Need Plant Identification from Bon Aqua, Tennessee?
September 01, 2010
By a creek, I found a plant that I have never seen in my life. It has a tall stalk and has leaves like a weed or grass, and the flower looks like a pine tree. The plant looks like a mix of a grass, a...
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