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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| Non-native Coleus canina, animal detererrent August 18, 2006 I had purchased a plant about 4 years ago at Lowes that I planted in my flower gardens that was a pet deterrent. I cannot remember the name of that plant now? I have spoke to Lowes and others and I am... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Suggestions for alternatives to invasive, non-native English ivy August 17, 2006 Can English ivy be planted in a pot, kept oudoors, and expected to endure our Maryland winters? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Survivability of birch trees in Texas August 16, 2006 Is it known whether Gray birch (Betula populifolia Marsh) will grow in North Texas? It seems like the only birch variety which might - and how short is a "short lifespan" for a tree? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Disease problems of non-native Weeping Willow August 16, 2006 Could you please tell me why my weeping willow has got pink coloured leaves and seems very dry the bark is splitting and seems full of wood worm? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Cutting back annual wildflowers after going to seed August 16, 2006 I purchased some wildflower seeds from the center last year, planted them in Nov-Dec and they have done fairly well this year despite our fairly dry winter. My question is now that they are done bloom... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Alternatives to non-native, invasive Pampa grass August 11, 2006 Could you please tell me if Cortaderia Selloana is "zone 4" hardy? Also how to start Opuntia Humifusa from cuttings? Do I let them stand upright dry and with no soil until they form the callous? Ple... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Selecting landscape trees for Denton Co., TX August 11, 2006 I live in Denton County and I'm trying to select a few trees to plant in my yard. I'd like them to be native or at least "antique" (hardy varieties which have adapted to the conditions without bec... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bark damage to Tulip Tree August 10, 2006 I have a tulip tree planted. It is about 9-10 years old. Two years ago the tree looked as though the trunk was cracked. Maybe hit by lightning after a storm. This year the bark on the side of tree... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Overseeding native wildflower seeds as opposed to herbicides August 10, 2006 Greetings from Alabama, We would like to "roundup" approx 2 A and plant some wildflower (s) that would TAKE OVER. We have 20 A and over half is in mixed woods. Pine, oak, sweetgum, and ???. Do y... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Care for non-native Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) August 08, 2006 I was given a desert rose and i'm looking for general information about planting, watering, how much sun it needs etc. I hope you can help. Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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