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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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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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Most recently answered

Plants for a dry hillside in central Texas
March 07, 2010
We need to plant some plants or grasses on a 3/4 acre sloaping hillside which does not get watered. Any recommendations for native grasses or plants which don't need care and will keep the lot from e...
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Small shrub for shady area
March 06, 2010
I would like to find a shrub to plant on the north, northeast side of my house, but it will be in mostly shade. It needs to get between 21/2' to 4' tall. Do you have any suggestions please?
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What to do about cold damage to spineless prickly pear?
March 05, 2010
In Austin, Texas our 'spineless' prickly pear cactus is about 6' wide by 4' tall. In the last severe freeze, the top half flattened out and has remained that way. Should I cut the flattened pads o...
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Need source of Texas Madrone seeds or seedlings in Kissimmee FL.
March 05, 2010
Where can I can purchase seeds or seedlings for a Texas Madrone Tree? I appreciate your help. Thank you,
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Need to identify a strange plant in my flowerbed
March 05, 2010
I have a strange plant that I've called a weed in my flowerbed. It doesn't have many leaves but it has round white almost bulbs at the surface of the dirt. The "bulbs" look almost like a small oni...
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Meadow planting on a shale slope with shallow soil in NY
March 04, 2010
Need to elaborate on my previous question which I am sure will produce a different response. We have a very large slope, near the top of a very long driveway, that is in a sunny location and comprise...
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Rain Garden plant for N. Mississippi
March 03, 2010
Rain Garden Plants for North Mississippi/Mid-South Region. I wish the search parameters included plants which tolerate seasonal flooding and droughts, so that each state might search for its own r...
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Native grasses for Uvalde Co., Texas
March 03, 2010
I plan on seeding a new yard in the Utopia area in central Texas with a combination of Texas native grasses (Buffalograss, Blue Grama & Curly Mesquite). When can I broadcast the seeds..how warm shoul...
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