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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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Questions From Near You

Tucson , AZ
Failure to thrive of non-native Confederate Jasmine in Tucson AZ
My Star/Confederate Jasmine, a 30 foot long wall of it, for over 5 years now has one side of it losing leaves. I seem to remember it did this one other summer, but came back in?? What could be the pr...
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Tucson , AZ
Life expectancy of Desert Willow in Tucson, AZ
What is the life expectancy of a Chilopsis linearis under ideal circumstances.
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Tucson, AZ
Possibility of contaminants leaching from asphalt driveway to adjacent vegetable garden in Tucson
We have planted a vegetable garden next to a driveway. The driveway has recently (within the last 2 years) been covered with asphalt. My concern is that the oil may leach into my vegetables. Is thi...
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Tucson, AZ
Separate pups on Manfreda variegata in Tucson
Can you tell me the best way to separate pups on a Manfreda variegata? The first ones we tried were very close to the main plant. Your help is appreciated.
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Tucson, AZ
Problems with Green Cloud cenizo in Tucson, AZ
I have a large number of Green Cloud Texas Rangers on my property. I water all very consistently, once a week and most of these are around 5-6 ft tall and 15 years or more old. We've only had a few i...
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Tucson, AZ
Native Plant for a Sunny South-facing House Wall in Tucson
I have a problematic block wall on the south side of the house and I what a plant to soften the look of the wall. I tried butterfly bush which I'm told died from of bounce-back heat from the wall. I ...
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Tucson, AZ
Identification of plant with red beans Catalina Mts., Arizona
While hiking at the base of the Catalina Mts. near Tucson in Jan., I came across a plant, the pods of which were open, displaying a bright red bean. I took some of the beans to plant in my yard. I was...
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Tucson, AZ
Failure to thrive of Tex-ash in Tucson AZ
I planted a mature (15') Tex-Ash about a year ago. Lately more and more leaves seem to be browning and it has never filled out. I am concerned I am going to lose it if I don't get it something befor...
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Tucson, AZ
Is Cissus trifoliata a food source for wildlife?
We apparently have Cissus Trifoliata growing around and over our porch.I was thinking about trying to remove it and plant grape vines instead as our desert tortoises will eat grape leaves. My question...
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Tucson, AZ
Starting Tecoma stans seedlings
I planted and germinated several (about 40) seeds from my Tecoma stans plant and they all sprouted and grew very nicely. They are now about 6 weeks old and they don't seem to be making any more prog...
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Tucson, AZ
Seven foot privacy fence in Tucson
I am looking for a privacy hedge for a home in Tucson, Arizona that will be in full sun. Needs to be at least seven foot tall and low water and maintenance. Any suggestions.
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Tucson, AZ
Disappearance of leaves on desert willow in Tucson AZ
We have a Lois Adams Desert Willow (Tucson, Az). The leaves will pump out and then a day or so later, all of the leaves are gone. The only bugs we've seen on it are very, very small ants. Could this ...
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Tucson, AZ
Instructions on posting photos of plant for ID
I need help identifying an adopted tree. How do I post the picture so I can show you? It's a odd one I've never seen.
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Tucson, AZ
Will Texas Mountain Laurel roots damage pipes in Tucson AZ?
We have a Texas Laurel tree in our back yard,and it is doing fine, and we are are planning to put another one in the front yard close to the house will the root system attack our pipes ? no septic sys...
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Tucson, AZ
Propagating Texas Mountain Laurel by seed from Tucson AZ
Propagation of Texas Mountain Laurel from seed
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Tucson, AZ
Propagation of Juniperus deppeana by seed
Hello, I am interested in any info you can provide me on alligator juniper (Juniperus deppeana) seed propagation. Thank you.
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Tucson, AZ
Source for Texas Olive Tree from Tucson AZ
Can one start a Texas Olive Tree from the olives it produces? How can you start one. I am having difficulty finding a nursery, but do see the trees around.
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Tucson, AZ
Making Ruellia nudiflora thicker in pot from Tucson AZ
Can Ruellia Nudiflora be propagated in the same pot as the parent plant? Can it be cut back to stimulate a denser plant? I have plants in several pots and would like to 'thicken' the plant. Tha...
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Tucson, AZ
Shade trees for Tucson AZ
I need to plant some "fast growing" trees or shrubs on my southwest yard in order to reduce the heat in my bedroom. What do you suggest? I live in Tucson, Arizona. Thank you in advance. I'm...
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Tucson, AZ
Range and adaptability of evening primrose from Tucson AZ
What is the natural range of the evening primrose? What adaptations does it have to live in the arid Southwest?
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Tucson, AZ
Problems with non-native Chinaberry tree from Tucson AZ
I have a 30+ year old Chinaberry tree and this year the branches are much sparser with leaves and there are a lot of small dead branches. Should I fertilize and what should I use? Thank you
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