Native Plants
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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Questions From Near You
Jennings, FL
Where plants can be purchased in Jennings, FL
I would like to know where I can buy some plants to plant on my property to grow?
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Valdosta, GA
Memorial garden in Georgia
I would like to plant a memorial garden in memory of my mother. She loved butterflies and bulbs blooming. Our backyard is shaded by large oaks and pines. A pool is located to the right, a large fire...
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Valdosta, GA
What is the fast-growing vine with white flowers growing in my yard? Field bindweed perhaps.
We moved into an existing home with some plants growing that grow very quickly, 1ft. per week, they flower a white to cream colored bloom and when the bloom falls it leaves a olive looking ball. In th...
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Valdosta, GA
Native vs. invasive photosynthesis and CO2 exchange.
My group is conducting an experiment on invasive and native plants in Valdosta, Georgia. Are invasive plant species better adapted to live in Valdosta than native plant species? How do invasive specie...
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Valdosta, GA
Native vs. Invasive Experiment
I asked you earlier about my group's experiment on native vs. invasive plants in Valdosta. Here are what we chose to work with..native: spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) and invasive: wild taro (Col...
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McAlpin, FL
Are Black Olive trees safe to have in pastures in Florida
I am trying to find out if Black Olive trees will be safe to have in our yard and/or pastures. We raise cattle, goats and horses. We need to find some good shade trees that are safe for our animals ...
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Homerville, GA
Problems with non-native corkscrew willow in Homerville GA
I have a corkscrew willow tree and it the branches are turning dark and dying. What could be the problem?
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Lake City, FL
Is Loropetalum poisonous to horses in Lake City FL?
Is loropetalum poisonous to horses? I know it is a member of the witch hazel family but cannot find a definitive answer about loropetalum itself.
Thank you!
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Lake City, FL
Shade tree with no roots to interfere with patio in Lake City FL
I have a 4x4 area surrounded by cement patio but would like a tree for shade that does not have roots that will mess up the slab.
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Lake City, FL
Are there drug cartels on the bluebonnet trails from Lake City FL
We plan to fly to TX to see bluebonnets but do not know if the weather and forest fires have destroyed them. If not, can you estimate the peak bloom time?
We are 75 and 81 and move around rather s...
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Nashville, GA
Fast growing shade trees safe for livestock in pasture in Nashville GA
I would like a list of fast growing shade trees that are safe for cows and horses in a pasture.
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Monticello, FL
Landscaping trees and shrubs non-toxic to dogs from Monticello FL
We're landscaping and need advice on large and small evergreen trees and shrubs that are native to or will flourish in North Florida. We plan to put in a treeline (large and semi-large trees) as wel...
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Sanderson, FL
Blazing stars plants in Sanderson, FL
I planted some blazing stars & they did not come up.What is the best way to start them out?
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Thomasville, GA
Living fence line from Thomasville GA
I would like to create a natural fence line on my property in South Georgia. They need to be pretty dense and horse, cow, goat friendly, growing to a height of about 4ft, preferably quickly! Do you ...
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Thomasville, GA
Need a drought resistant, maintenance free tree in Thomasville, GA.
I have been through many tree forums and asked several nurseries about a good tree to plant but nobody has provided an adequate answer and I hope you can help. I live in SW Georgia (Zone 8) and need ...
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Moultrie, GA
A stinging plant in Moultrie, GA?
Mr. Smarty Plants,
I was walking along in my lawn in some flip-flops and my foot barely grazed my ankle. As soon as it had happened, I felt this horrible pain, like a million tiny, invisible splinter...
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Tallahassee, FL
Groundcover to prevent erosion in Florida
I live on a hill and put in a new side driveway and now I am seeing erosion along the driveway and can see the bottom of my concrete. Grass won't grow because its all shaded. What would be the best g...
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Tallahassee, FL
First flower of the year from Tallahassee FL
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
What is the first wildflower to bloom in the North Florida area each year? I appreciate your knowledge and attention to all the questions you are asked.
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Tallahassee, FL
Garden planning for wedding in Tallahassee
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I would love your advice on creating a Wildflower Garden Plan. Earlier this spring in Tallahassee (North Florida). I sowed Wildflowers for the first time to see what would blo...
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Bryceville, FL
Information about Lady Lupine (Lupinus villosus)
Dear Mr.Smarty Plants,
Lady Lupine grows in our yard in northeast Florida, and I would like to learn more about it, especially the stages it goes through, like now the purple petals themselves are c...
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Gainesville, FL
Rooting hybrid Savannah Holly from cuttings from Gainesville FL
I need instructions on rooting the Savannah Holly from cuttings. I understand that seedlings will not be true to the parent..is this true? Please help. What type of soil mix should I use?
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