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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| Shade tolerant evergreens for privacy shield in Louisville KY March 10, 2014 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, Our property is adjacent to the highway for ~ 200ft. I'm looking for partial-to-full shade tolerant evergreens that will grow to be relatively tall. Our soil is clay and g... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Ground cover to control erosion in Montgomery County, Texas February 24, 2014 I am looking for some kind of ground cover to control erosion on a north facing slope in Montgomery County, Texas. The area gets very little direct sunlight. I need something that will establish quick... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Low Ground Cover for Steep, Shaded PA Site February 17, 2014 I am located in Downingtown, PA, right on the border between Zone 6 and 7. Please provide a recommendation of a native ground cover for the following conditions: steep slope (greater than 45%), full s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Low evergreen drought-resistant shrubs for area in partial shade January 03, 2014 I promised my mom to help her with some new plants for her house, so here goes. She lives near Waco on Blackland clay soil. The problem area is right in front of the house. It only receives a few hour... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Understory Shrubs for Pennsylvania Clay December 04, 2013 I want to replace three non-native Euonymus alatus with native shrubs that will serve as host plants for butterfly/moth species and/or attract bumblebees and other native bees. The shrubs I have are ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Colorful flowering plants in shade of live oak in Louisiana November 29, 2013 What colorful flowering plants can be grown near the shady base of live oak trees in the Deep South? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Grasses for shady areas November 24, 2013 I would like to know which grasses would grow in mostly shady part of the house. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plant for total shade in Austin Texas November 18, 2013 Most of north wall of my house is in total shade. Is there a native that will grow there? The nonnative Cast Iron Plant is thriving and the soil is good. Your list of plants requiring 2 hours or less ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Habiturf for shady areas in San Antonio TX November 08, 2013 Will the Habiturf grass mentioned here do well in shady areas too? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Alternative for sedges for turf-like lawn in shade October 25, 2013 When it comes to a turf-like lawn in shade, is it pretty much sedges or nothing among native options? By the way, I write from up north here in Iowa. Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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