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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| topic | question | |
| When and how to transplant a Texas persimmon January 02, 2009 When and how should I transplant a 12' Texas persimmon? How much root ball do I need to get? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plants for pavilion over fountain in Washington State December 26, 2008 I have a tall fountain in a 7 foot square which is surrounded by pavers. Inside the 7' square there is about a 2' mulched soil bed around the center fountain and an iron type pavilion that goes up h... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Berms to hold water around roots December 05, 2008 I planted new flower beds this November. There are currently dirt 'berms' around each plant - creating a well for water to seep into the immediate plant area. How can I keep these berms from erodi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Possibility of replacing Bermudagrass with native grasses and wildflowers November 24, 2008 Are there any native grasses and wildflowers that can compete with bermuda grass to make a nativ-y wild area without removing the bermuda? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Information about growing mountain laurels (Sophora secundiflora) November 15, 2008 I live just outside of Austin on 10 acres. I have several very large mountain laurels on my property that I planted from containers. Mine flower profusely every year. I feed them bi-weekly and wate... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Necessary sun exposure for Eves Necklace November 12, 2008 How little sun can the tree Eve's Necklace receive and still be happy and healthy? I have an intended spot that gets about 3, maybe 4 hours, some of that will be hot afternoon sun in the summer. Th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Transplanting Mexican bonebract in Floresville, TX November 12, 2008 My kids and I finally identified a small plant that we found growing in our pasture. There was only one and it is lovely. It is the Mexican Bonebract. What I am interested in finding out is how to tra... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Potting soil used in Wildflower Center nursery October 23, 2008 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 Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Watering needs for a new landscape October 11, 2008 How much and how frequently are you supposed to water after implementing a new landscape? For example, perennials and succulents that are drought tolerant. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Holding an Acer rubrum in a container for two years October 10, 2008 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I am thinking about ordering a Red Maple tree that is cultivated from Mount Vernon. I appreciate the historic nature of such a tree. The tree will be shipped to me and is ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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