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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| Mowing frequency of native lawn from Georgetown TX August 18, 2012 I have a native grass and wildflower lawn. At what frequency and when should the lawn be mowed? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Using a brush hog on acreage on Bear Creek in Austin, TX. July 25, 2012 We have 8 acres off 1826 situated on Bear Creek. It has open areas with scattered large trees (cedar elm, live oak, white oak). Cedars or junipers only along the the lot lines. We've been told we... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Flower sucession for Washington DC June 18, 2012 Interplanting to cover up spring ephemerals. When bulbs/spring ephemerals (camassia, bluebells, etc.) are dying back, their wilting leaves don't look so great. What can I plant to minimize the me... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Transplanting Trees in OH May 10, 2012 Is the middle of May too late to dig out Arborviteas and spruces to transplant? I live in central Ohio. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Flowers for days on end in California March 30, 2012 What are some plants or flowers that I can grow "all-year" in California? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Vinegar as a Herbicide March 08, 2012 When can you use vinegar on weeds to get rid of them. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Seasonal tasks for Big Red Sage and Tall Aster in Marble Falls TX January 09, 2012 I transplanted some Big Red Sage and Tall Aster into my raised bed garden in early summer this year. They've sent up lots of rosettes. Do I need to protect them from freezing in winter? Do I need to ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Planning garden tasks in advance from Austin January 03, 2012 My yard was a disaster last year-grass and trees browning, early leaf fall on flowering plants, and water bills sky high, even with the limited watering days. What can I do this year to prevent this s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Burning back Gulf Muhly instead of trimming from San Antonio December 19, 2011 A few years ago I noticed that the Center burned back its Gulf Muhly rather than cutting it back. Did that study result in any conclusions or recommendations? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Overwintering Texas bluebonnets November 17, 2011 I planted Texas Bluebonnet and I want to know how to save them through the winter months. I think they are so beautiful. Can I cover them with something? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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