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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| Conditions for non-native, poisonous mandrakes July 04, 2006 What climates or conditions can mandrakes live in? Do they have to live submerged in water, with some water, or with very little? Why? Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native grass and wildflower possibilities for Weatherford, TX July 04, 2006 I live in Weatherford, Texas - 20 acres and would love to have a prairie or soft cover throughout the year (less mowing). What do you recommend? I don't know anything about this ... So, feel free to ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for dog-safe privacy hedge in Missouri July 03, 2006 I live in Missouri and would like to put a "living fence" around my yard for some privacy. Ideally, I want something that is going to grow fast so that I don't have to wait years and years for my ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Yellowing leaves on non-native Hibiscus rosa-sinensis July 03, 2006 I purchased a chinese hibiscus hiros small tree and after 1 month the leaves keep turning yellow. What's wrong? It's in a large pot and never outside below 60 degrees. Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Tree ordinances re Magnolia Ladybird Johnson tree July 02, 2006 What exactly is a Ladybird Johnson tree? Also, is there any type of federal or state law(s) that prohibits the cutting, trimming or removal of a LadyBird Johnson tree? Thank you for your time! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Mystery pest eating portulaca blooms July 02, 2006 I'm from Texas and I purchased some portulaca from a local nursery about three weeks ago and planted them in the front yard....with plenty of sun. Here's the problem. The foliage seems very health... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Alternatives for non-native, invasive Dianthus spp. July 02, 2006 We're landscaping our 1963 ranch house in Austin, and we're trying to balance low water and wildscape concerns. Being just across the street from Shoal Creek means we're staying away from anything ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Green roof plants tolerating shade July 01, 2006 I am researching extensive greenroof plants for a potential site in Austin. The roof surface is shaded for most days of the the year. Are there any top choices for plants for this condition? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Care of non-native Mandevilla July 01, 2006 I have purchased 2 Red Riding Hood Mandevilla's. The tag on it says it blooms spring to frost, full sun, ave size is 8 feet tall & spreading. I live in the Tampa FL area. Does this plant grow as a sh... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wild hydrangeas north of Atlanta GA June 29, 2006 There are wild hydrangeas in my area - just north of Atlanta GA. There is a particular type, though, that I have only seen in the more mountainous counties of GA. The flower cluster is flat, with tiny... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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