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.
Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
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.
Search Smarty Plants
| topic | question | |
| Small, flowering, evergreen plants for hillside in Austin. October 27, 2007 I have a steep, dry hillside measuring approximately 4 feet high by six feet wide. I want to plant low growing, evergreen, flowering plants across the bed that will flower as long as possible, and thr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Winter expectations for Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) October 08, 2007 I planted some buffalo grass (from seed) in April of this year. I’ve got a nice patch now, though it’s starting to brown up some. I’m wondering what to expect from this patch over the winter- will i... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) and buffalo grass mixes October 05, 2007 I live in Austin, TX and have visited the Wildflower Center in the past and enjoyed the display of native grass mixes. Can you tell me about the variations of buffalograss mixes... which ones are most... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shorter drought-tolerant grasses August 31, 2007 We live on 1 1/2 acres near Dripping Springs. We have a variety of grasses, mostly tall, on the back and side of the property. Is there some type of drought tolerant shorter grass or wildflowers or gr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Encouraging native grasses to flourish August 23, 2007 We have been trying to restore the yard around the house with native grasses and forbs for the last two years. The soil is clay and nothing seems to grow. We have distributed 5 truck loads of mulch, p... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Green wall panel for Dallas August 21, 2007 We are working on a green wall panel for a hotel near SMU--I see your list of recommended species for green roofs, & wondered if you have any ideas for vertical applications. Probably will have someth... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Inland sea oats as backfrop for pigeon berry August 20, 2007 I am thinking of using inland sea oats as a backdrop for pigeon berry (Rivina humilis) in a shady area along my foundation. Will this combination work, or will the sea oats outcompete the pigeon berr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Care of buffalo grass after wet season August 15, 2007 I'm asking for your advice on what to do with my buffalo grass lawn. With all this rain, I've managed to pull the weeds as they pop up in my front yard, and it looks good, except for a couple of... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Identification of native grasses little bluestem and switchgrass August 09, 2007 If you drive east of Austin on Hwy 71, there is a bluish looking grass that has become very noticeable since the heavy rains in July. The blades grow straight up and each plant is in clump form. Do ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Flowering native perennials for St. Louis August 09, 2007 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I'm trying to landscape a yard that sits on rocky clay soil in St. Louis, MO. The front yard has been difficult because of its brutal southern exposure - the afternoon sun ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| topic | question | |