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 | |
| Viability of Juniperus ashei for making furniture June 18, 2007 My husband uses juniper from Oregon to make beautiful furniture. Underneath the ugly bark is a wonderful wood. Is this the same Juniper as we saw all around Austin, Texas. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Texas smoketree June 17, 2007 Does a smoketree grow in Texas? How can I identify it? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Hardy perennials for Chicago June 15, 2007 I have a duplex condo in Chicago. My basement or 1st floor is at sub-sidewalk level. This "patio" faces east and gets about 4 hours sun a day. It is about 8 feet high and covers an area 15x9. I'd l... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Ornamental tree recommendation for California June 15, 2007 We live in Pleasanton, California and wish to plant an ornamental tree in our front yard. The tree will receive full sun, and the climate can get quite hot in the summer. A Japanese Maple would be th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Effective plant cover for utility boxes June 15, 2007 In Connecticut, we have utility boxes for underground electricity and cable located in front of our house. The builder has landscaped around them: first with rhododendrons and then azaleas and both ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Whitefly infestation in roses and salvia June 15, 2007 Several of my outdoor plants (including Knockout roses and salvia) have a white residue on the stems. If I touch it a white bug jumps off. The residue can be wiped off or sprayed off, but the little... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Identification of Daucus pusillus, native alternative to Daucus carota June 15, 2007 What happened to "Queen Anne's Lace"? Growing up in Texas, I recall seeing "Queen Anne's Lace" growing wild. In my mind, the blooms were rather large. The plants I see growing profusely along th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Danger of oak wilt infestation in trees with storm-damaged limbs June 15, 2007 A recent severe storm in Southwest Austin broke large branches and trunks on many Live Oaks in my neighborhood, including my next door neighbors'. Can this invite Oak Wilt? I'm worried about my tree... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Karoo rose June 15, 2007 Where would the Adenium obesum/desert rose/Karoo rose pictured in the Austin American-Statesman's Gardening section on 06/09/07 be available for purchase in or near the Taylor, Texas (76574) area? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Decline in non-native crape myrtles June 15, 2007 I live in Round Rock and the ground is rocky about one foot beneath the surface. I have about 14 crape myrtles that have been doing very well for about 6 years now. Last year the leaves on 1 started... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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