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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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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Plants that will grow in clay in North Carolina March 14, 2008 I have a small fenced back yard, predominately hard red clay, that is a major focal point. I am designing my own garden/yard area (to cut cost) and have a list of plants that will grow in this soil w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Growing Texas bluebonnets in North Carolina March 11, 2008 I live in North Carolina and love the Texas Bluebonnets. Can I create my own mix of soil to be able to grow them here? Soil is basically red clay and icky. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Difference in natural soil and potting soil. February 19, 2008 If you buy store bought soil is it different than soil from the ground? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Potting soil recipe for azaleas October 07, 2007 I have a couple of Azaleas in pots that need repotting.I can't remember the recipe for the medium I put them in last time other than pine bark mulch. I think there were three ingredients. What is ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Acidity of soil for blueberry plants May 11, 2007 We have 8 blueberry plants and we have just taken out several Juniper shrubs. How will this effect the acidity of the soil for the blueberries? Do we need to add more acidity? We heard that the junipe... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Soils for Acacia greggii and Bauhinia lunarioides May 02, 2007 What kind of soil do you recommend for anacacia tree? I was stunned by the one blooming at Center. I have had one for years and it has not been happy. I figure it must be the soil. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants for heavy clay soil in east Austin May 02, 2007 I live in East Austin and have very thick clay soil on my property. I also have a lot of shade and partial sun/shade. Can you suggest some native plant varieties that are well-adapted to these condi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Care of Ixora by lowering soil pH March 24, 2007 I have a bunch of Ixoras that the leaves are turning brown, before I pull them out, is there any kind of treatment to save them? I have used insecticidal soap several times but there has been no impro... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants adding calcium to soil June 08, 2006 Hi, I am looking for a resource to help determine the functions of native plants. For instance, nitrogen fixing can be found in Indigo, Lead plant, lupines. Are there other plants that add back cal... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Proper soil for Blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum) April 18, 2006 I live in San Antonio. Have taken landscape course at the center several years ago-(fabulous)! I am putting in a raised portion of the garden this year with Blackfoot Daisies. Can you tell me where... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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