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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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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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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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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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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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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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
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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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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Albany, GA
Failure to bud out of nuttall oak in Albany GA
We planted a nutall oak in the fall of 09. It seemed to fare well during the winter. It is now spring and all of our other trees are budding out. The limbs are flexible. Not breaking off easily like t...
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Albany, GA
Wildflowers for Area Around Drainage Pond in Georgia
We have a drainage pond behind our business in Albany, Georgia and would like to plant about an acre of wildflowers around it to help with soil erosion and to help keep weeds from taking over again, w...
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Bainbridge, GA
Native shrubs for wildlife and screening in Georgia
I live in Bainbridge, GA. I have 3 acres and want to plant for wildlife. I would like to plant fast growing native shrubs along the 400' of road that will benefit wildlife and shield us from the tr...
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Bainbridge, GA
Georgia Monocots for Dodder Infested Location
I have a 12'x12' area where we planted carrots, and we got a surprise - dodder! Next year we planted corn - no dodder! This year we planted cosmos, and behold, we had dodder. I understand monocot...
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Bainbridge, GA
No berries on dogwoods in GA
I have 4 native dogwood trees. I have owned the property for 4 years. They have never produced berries. Can you tell me why? are the trees male and female, and could I have all males?
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Warwick, GA
Lilies with with wide lush foliage in Georgia
I love lilies of all kinds, but I particularly like lilies with wide lush foliage. An example would be Agapanthus foliage. What other lilies present that same attribute?
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