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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| Control of ball moss in oak trees March 23, 2007 I live in San Marcos, Texas and I have a two acre lot with lots of oak trees. Most of these trees have so much ballmoss attached to them that the leaves and branches are not visible anymore. Is ther... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Identification of wild plum found in Conroe, TX March 23, 2007 I have found a wild plum that has dirty pink flowers and reddish smooth bark in a field in the town of Conroe, Tx. Identification thru the Ag Man here was sketchy and inaccurate. Short stubby limbs w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Sources of Hypericum anagalloides (tinkekrs penny) March 23, 2007 I am currently in search of any place where I may be able to purchase some of the Tinker's Penny. Could you please assist with this in any way possible? Greatly appreciated. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflowers for deer resistance, low sun, granite gravel soil March 21, 2007 We live on Lake Buchanan in the Texas Hill country. What would you suggest for a flowerbed next to the house: north exposure, deer resistant, blooming, shaded by a live oak, granite gravel soil. Tha... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflowers for Angel Fire, NM March 20, 2007 What wildflowers would you recommend for Angel Fire, NM, at an elevation of 9150 ft. with rocky soil and a windy, northwest exposure? Thank you for your help! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Soil for Agave americana March 20, 2007 Can you give me some information on soil admendments for growing Agave (Century Plant)? I kept it in a pot during the winter and now I am ready to plant it in my beds View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Wildflowers for West Texas Permian Basin area March 19, 2007 What wild flowers grow out here in West Texas (Permian Basin Area)? I know a lot of the wild flowers from other parts of the state will not grow out here in the dry heat and poor soil. Thanks for you... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Ground cover for partly sunny, wet area in Cypress, TX March 19, 2007 I am in need of a ground cover to plant in an area close to our entryway. The area is shady to partly sunny, holds water in rainy weather, and has a shrub border. We are in Texas. Any ideas? Thank... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Decline of pollinating bees around Mexican plums March 19, 2007 Dear Dr. Smarty Plants While out working in my yard (about nine miles southwest of the Wildfower Center) this morning, I became aware that there was no sound of bees buzzing. I checked our Mexica... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native grasses as low-water option for ranch yard March 19, 2007 We have a weekend ranch in LLano Texas and are looking for a grass to plant in the front yard. (approx 3/4 acre) The house is very small and cute but not a real big fancy house. We do have a fence aro... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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