Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
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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| Identification of possible Bald cypress June 26, 2008 I live in the Houston area, last year we traveled to South Padre Island and,on the way, I noticed a tree that was just beautiful. It looked like a cross between a Norfolk pine and some kind of cycads.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-branching mimosa tree June 26, 2008 I have a Mimosa Tree, just about 2 years old, grown from seed. The problem with it is that it has not branched out, it looks like one long branch growing out of the ground, about 5 feet if stood strai... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Premature leaf drop on Red Maple in Kentucky June 25, 2008 I have a ten foot Red Maple tree that has been set out for 4 years. Its leaves have slowly turned colors until it currently looks like fall. The leaves are not falling off nor is there yet any s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-blooming crape myrtle in Italy, TX June 25, 2008 It's Italy, TX, again! Thanks for the advice and links, and I'll study those..but here's where I'm stumped on crape myrtle. I have two (almost) trees because they've been planted over 15 years ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Disappearing oranges from Satsuma orange in Austin June 25, 2008 I had many tiny future oranges on my Satsuma Orange Tree until a few days ago. Suddenly, all were gone except one. They weren't on the ground and the tree itself seems incredibly healthy. It is gr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Decline of indoor lemon cypress June 25, 2008 I received a lemon cypress as a gift. I have kept it indoors in bright light and tried to keep it moist. When I received the plant the foliage was soft and now it has become brittle and dry even tho... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Taproot tree to replace willows by pool June 23, 2008 Installing Pool with bomanite decking all around it. We're in process of cutting down 18 year old Weeping Willow due to root invasiveness and small messy leaves. Can you recommend a good shade tree w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Removing and replacing juniper bushes June 20, 2008 Hi! I'm pulling up juniper bushes. (just don't like it) I'm getting down to the roots now on one side and I'm having a hard time getting them up. Any recommendations. They are near my drive... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Safe time to trim live oak trees June 20, 2008 Our live oak trees need a little trimming, as some of the branches are hanging too low, almost to the ground. We planted them about 5 years ago, so they are well established, healthy trees. My husband... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Evergreen plants for a windbreak June 13, 2008 Our church has need to plant a windbreak. We would like fast growing native plants, preferably evergreen or really early 'leafers' to protect us from our windy season beginning in mid/late February.... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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