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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| Vines for trellis in Livermore, CA October 29, 2009 I am looking for a native vine for a northern California location. It's Livermore California with a climate intermediate between the SF Bay and the Central Valley. Some frost in the winter. Maybe 10 ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Trellis plant for Southern California October 29, 2009 What is the best selection for a trellis plant? I live in Southern CA (zip 91701), and the area is on the southern part of our home with little or no shade. Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native vine to cover brick column in Houston October 28, 2009 I have a brick column (~20ft tall) in the entry way to my house in Houston, TX. I am looking for a beautiful native vine that'll cover the column and soften the look of the house. I don't want to us... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Invasive possibly non-native vine in Largo FL October 03, 2009 I have vines taking over my backyard, climbing all over the ground and up trees. The vines are huge, non-flowering giant leaves that look like elephant ears. What are these and how can they be contain... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Texas natives for a small garden with red flowers October 03, 2009 I have a garden that is 4' deep, what can I put there that is a Texas native, I would really like some color (preferably red)also it needs to be able to grow tall (8 - 10') View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native trailing plant for Nebraska October 01, 2009 I live in the tall grass prairie area of Eastern Nebraska and am working on some prairie restoration and native plantings. I have just put in a limestone retaining wall and would like to find a nativ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Attractive Native Vines to Cover a Chain Link Fence in Upstate New York September 19, 2009 Hello Mr. Smarty Plants. I live in Upstate NY (Albany) and my yard is bordered by an old chain link fence. I would like to cover the fence with a natural looking plant (I assume Ivy). What do you ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Orange-red caterpillar with black spikes on passionflower vine September 19, 2009 What kind of orange-red caterpillar with black spikes is all over my passion vine? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Salt-tolerant plants in Central Texas September 16, 2009 Do you have any suggestions for salt-tolerant plants in Central Texas? Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Grape Vines and spacing for Portland, OR September 10, 2009 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I have a somewhat small south-facing yard next to my home (less than 8' wide). I would like to build a tall arbor for grapes that runs along the length of my home (about 4... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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