Native Plants
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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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Smarty Plants Question Topics
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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| Groundcover Planting in Shiro TX July 09, 2015 I have been collecting seeds from White Avens and Texas Sedge to use as ground covers. What is the optimal time to plant these seeds? We have been experiencing heavy rains in our area lately, so I am ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Will cochineal insects washed from cactus plants harm adjacent Oleander? June 11, 2015 Will mealybugs (cochineal insects) power washed off prickly pear cactus harm adjacent oleander plants if the white fluff gets on the oleander? My neighbor asked me to power wash my prickly pears and t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Why doesn't Diervilla lonicera bloom in Wisconsin? June 11, 2015 I have had a Diervilla lonicera in southeastern Wisconsin for at least 5 years. It has never bloomed. Why? It appears healthy. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Male and female Ilex decidua ( Possumhaw) trees May 18, 2015 I was excited to finally find and purchase a male and female possum haw pair via Amazon. (Berry Poppins variety). They were marked male-female and are thriving. But the male has little flowers and the... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Growing Avocados in South Texas April 24, 2015 What types of avocados can be grown in South Texas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shady Groundcovers for NC April 23, 2015 I have a side yard that gets very little sun during the day and have tried St. Augustine grass unsuccessfully. Can you recommend a groundcover? We live close to the coast in Southeastern N. Carolina... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Fast Growing Shrub for Oceanside New York Site April 17, 2015 Can you recommend a tall, fast-growing shrub for a sandy location (near an ocean beach in New York) in full sun? I’m looking for a privacy shield. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Rust on Blackberry April 17, 2015 I have two new blackberry bushes that I planted fall 2014. Only weeks after I planted the plant began to have rust color balls under the leaves then leaves began to die and fall off. When I returned t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Native Evergreen for Shady Back Yard in IL April 16, 2015 I am looking for a native evergreen to provide bird shelter in my southeast facing small back yard. I would prefer a horizontal juniper but don't know if it could grow in the shade of the 8 or 9 matu... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Native Grasses for Houston, TX April 06, 2015 What native grasses can I use for my lawn in Houston, TX? It appears that Habiturf is not recommended for our climate. Is there another variety of seed available yet that I can use to start a small ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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