Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Questions From Near You

Smithville, TX
Non-native bamboo for a privacy fence in Smithville, TX
I am considering planting bamboo along my privacy fence inside my back yard. I like the informality of it and durability. Is it safe for children and pets?
view the full question and answer

Smithville, TX
Conditions for growing Anacacho Orchid in Smithville TX
What conditions (soil type, sun/shade, understory? etc.) to grow a healthy Anacacho Orchid tree? And what is the best size tree to plant?
view the full question and answer

Smithville, TX
Light requirements for Heartleaf Skullcap from Smithville TX
How much sun or shade does Heartleaf Skullcap need?
view the full question and answer

Smithville, TX
Planting of Habiturf from Smithville TX
Are Habiturf and Thunderturf the same? and, how late in the year can I plant Habiturf?
view the full question and answer

Smithville, TX
Non-native, invasive rescue grass in meadow garden in Smithville TX
Despite numerous efforts, a solid field of cool weather rescue grass keeps desired wildflower and grass seeds from successfully growing on my "vacant" lot in town. I plan to I put out a 6 ml plasti...
view the full question and answer

smithville, TX
Hummingbird Attracting Plants for Shade in Smithville, TX
I want hummingbird plants for shade.
view the full question and answer

Smithville, TX
Time to mow bluebonnets from Smithville TX
When is the best time to mow the seeded Bluebonnets? I have them and Drummond Phlox in my front yard. I need to clean and trim to start pulling the large numbers of Purple Hooked Sandburr.
view the full question and answer

Smithville, TX
Identification of bush with red berries
bush? grows along fence lines in rural areas; sheds foliage in fall; berries appear; colors vary from red to orange, depending on soil?
view the full question and answer

Smithville, TX
Identification of Canopy Plant
I recently adopted a large house plant from a neighbor who moved away. He called it a 'Canopy Plant', but I'm having no luck with that name when I search for care tips. It seems to be in poor healt...
view the full question and answer

Smithville, TX
Instructions for Plant ID
Hi- I have an unidentified small white flowering plant photo to try to identify. Would you be willing to see what you think it is or refer me to someone to whom I could send it? It was photographed on...
view the full question and answer

Smithville, TX
Screen plants for part shade in Smithville, TX
Thank you very much for your reply to my question about planting bamboo. I had no idea it was so invasive. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have for me. My goal is to provide a soft an...
view the full question and answer

Smithville, TX
Removing bermudagrass from buffalograss in Smithville TX
I have a lawn created two years ago with buffalo grass sod in Smithville, TX. Recently several areas of bermudagrass have started to flourish in the buffalo grass lawn. Can you recommend a herbicide...
view the full question and answer

Smithville, TX
Potting soil used in Wildflower Center nursery
I recently purchased several beautiful little plants at your Fall plant sale and notice how very happy and healthy they all are! Please tell me if you mix your own potting soil and what your potting ...
view the full question and answer

Smithville, TX
Drought-resistant and grub-resistant grass for Smithville TX
I want a drought resistant grass for a sunny area that is also resistant to grubs. I have lots of grubs but want a healthy soil of good microbes. Any ideas? Zoysia, Buffalo? I noticed that Tech Turf r...
view the full question and answer

Smithville, TX
Native Christmas tree from Smithville TX
I've always wanted to use a native tree as a Christmas tree. Do you have any suggestions?
view the full question and answer

Rosanky, TX
Life cycle of Big Bend bluebonnet from Rosanky TX
I have searched and searched and need to find the life cycle of a Big Bend Bluebonnet for a school project, but have been unable to find it. If there is a website that would have this information, ple...
view the full question and answer

Rosanky, TX
Overwatering Texas Mountain Laurel from Rosanky TX
I just read your article in the Statesman about over watering Mt.Laurel. Now I know why my lovely 15 year old tree is dying. We put in new grass this winter and I watered too much. Is there any hop...
view the full question and answer

Plum, TX
Black Sooty Mold on Bay Tree
I have a large bay tree and all the leaves are covered with a black mold-like substance on the top part of the leaf. Under each leaf are some black/brown spots. I have washed the leaves with soap and ...
view the full question and answer

Bastrop , TX
Plants for Bastrop TX
I'm hoping you can help with this. Recently I have moved to Bastrop TX on what used to be Camp Swift military property. We have looked into planting grass and plants in the yard but discovered we hav...
view the full question and answer

Bastrop, TX
Grasses to stabilize creek bed in Bastrop County, Texas
Hello, we have property in Bastrop county, the soil is sandy loam with clay underneath. We need to stabilize a creek bed, can you suggest any particular grasses (seed) for this? Know it's not the be...
view the full question and answer

Bastrop, TX
Possible freeze damage in Wax Myrtle from last winter in Bastrop, TX
Our Wax Myrtle is about 7 yrs old and in good shape until this past winter when we had several very hard freezes. Now several of the large branches are dead and more are dying each month. We have not ...
view the full question and answer