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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| Grass to grow in the shade of pecan tree December 10, 2008 Dear Mr. Smarty Pants, We have an enormous pecan tree in our backyard that had grass underneath the breadth of the branches, but not around the trunk. The grass isn't doing well (though we did fai... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Will Texas kidneywood grow in dappled shade? December 09, 2008 Will Texas Kidneywood be successful as an understory plant in dappled shade? There is a location near the house, under a small grove of established live oaks and cedar elms, that needs an airy screen... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Understory shrub for shady area in San Antonio December 03, 2008 We would like to plant a small understory tree/shrub in an odd space that our new deck has created between our fence line and the house. A mature mountain laurel would be our dream but I think there ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native grasses for shade in Dallas November 30, 2008 What native grasses can be grown under large Live Oaks in the Dallas Area? The combination of shade and black gumbo soil seem to keep all plant life, except for poison ivy and ferns, out. I would lo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Small area native plant gardening for an apartment November 14, 2008 Mr.Smarty, We live in an apartment and are fortunate to have a small area, 5'x5', and so want color! Here in Houston the winters don't freeze much and the summers are HOT. Luckily, we are in the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Low plants for shady, damp area in Roanoke, TX November 13, 2008 First, thanks for answering my first question about Texas Native Trees for our new home! I have just started working on plans for our back yard and have a question about Texas Native Shade plants. W... 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 | ||
| Shade tolerant plant for Rodeo, California November 02, 2008 I live in Rodeo, California and I need to know what is a good green plant I can get to place in a shady area View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Trees for shade east windows from sun in Abilene, TX October 25, 2008 We need a tree(s) to plant in front of four east windows (20 feet space) to shade our breakfast room from the early morning sun. We have shades but need a bit more protection. I do not wish to shade... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants to control erosion in shade in California October 06, 2008 I need plants that will help prevent soil erosion on a sloping area under a wood fence. The area has filtered light. thank you! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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