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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers Nan Hampton, Jimmy Mills and Barbara Medford to be the culpable and capable parties. Yet, others think staff members Damon Waitt, Joe Marcus and Philip Hawkins might 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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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

Questions From Near You

Dodge City, KS
Disappointing Fall color from sumac in Dodge City, KS
We have had a fragrant sumac bush growing in our front yard (faces south) for several years. While it is healthy and growing well, we are always disappointed in its lack of bright fall foliage. It d...
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Garden City, KS
Withering plants recover with water
Why do withering plants stand up when you give them water?
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Garden City, KS
Will a chile pequin survive winters in Garden City, Kansas
Dear Mr. Smarty Pants, I am trying to determine if a chile pequin (Capsicum annuum) can survive Kansas winters. My sister lives in Killeen, TX, and has a couple of these bushes in her yard. She broug...
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Great Bend , KS
Dog wallowing in damp area in garden from Great Bend KS
I Have a wet area in my back yard that is close to my house. and off my patio there is a water hydrant,gas meter, electrical for my hot tub, my sprinkler valves and pump all there. My dog digs throug...
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Gage, OK
How to distinguish male and female grape vines in Gage OK.
Are there male and female plants for wild grapes? If so, how do we tell the difference?
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Perryton, TX
Vines for Texas Panhandle
I need a fast-growing vine for our pergola that does not attract bees or wasps. It will be in full sun in the panhandle of Texas--two hours north of Amarillo.
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Guymon, OK
Identification of plant known as mosquito plant (Agastache cana)
I received some seeds from an annual plant that came from Bowie, Tx. It has square stems, like mint plants, medium size leaves turns purple when in the sun and had a strong odor when brushed against. ...
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Hutchinson, KS
Dead portions on oak tree in Hutchinson KS
I have an oak tree on the property I just moved into. One tree is healthy, the other has a dead side or almost dead. It did have some new green leaves on the dead branches but not many. What should...
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McPherson, KS
New growth on Amur Maple turning black in McPherson, Kansas.
Re: Amur Maple bushes Approximately 2 yrs old, 4 ft tall. New growth at the end of some branches is turning black. Plants are mulched with grass clippings. We live in Kansas. Thanks for any info....
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Wichita , KS
Skunk cabbage to repel rabbits in Wichita KS
I would like to find a skunk cabbage plant or oil of skunk cabbage to drive away rabbits from my garden.. It does work for several yrs ago I purchased a plant from a garden shop but can not find it no...
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Wichita, KS
Trees for home in Kansas
I am needing help planting trees in my yard. It's a new construction home and I would like a tree that won't get into the septic system easily. Also, I have to plant 3 other trees as well due to the...
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Wichita, KS
Curvularia blight in buffalograss in Kansas
Our buffalo grass is infected with a fungus called curvularia. How can we treat it?
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Wichita, KS
Lake Plantings and Geese
I live on a small lake in Wichita, KS and we are over run with Canada geese. I would like to plant flowers around my patio (which is not allowed to be fenced off). Are there any flowers or plants that...
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Wichita, KS
Plants for northern exposure in Wichita, KS
What are good plants for the north side of the house with acidic soil in Zone 6, Wichita, KS?
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Wichita, KS
Colorful shrubs for Kansas
I would like to plant some bushes or shrubs on the front side of our house which faces east. I would like them to grow 5' tall and provide beautiful color or blooms. What would be best for my locat...
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Wichita, KS
Hardy Tree for Kansas
I'm hoping to find a tree that is hardy and will survive all rough seasons in Wichita, KS. The spot is in front of a northern exposure window.
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Wichita, KS
Shade ground cover under honeysuckle from Wichita KS
Hi! I know this is a bit odd, but I am trying to find a nontoxic, good ground covering plant that can live in the shade while competing with the roots of a whole bunch of honeysuckle. I have a few ide...
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Wichita, KS
Advice on grasses under walnut trees
Little advice on grasses: I am prepared to plant zoysia under two walnut trees. Forgot about juglone-is this a good idea?
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Newton, KS
Wintering of non- native jasmine in Newton KS
Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, I received a gorgeous jasmine for mothers day and I planted it in my front yard in the flower area close to the house. Can I keep it there all winter or do I need to dig it up a...
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Newton, KS
Overseeding sprig planting of native grass in Kansas
Can I overseed a Sprig planting of native grass in Kansas in the Fall?
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Drummond, OK
Plant Identification
I have a single stem red vine with purple berries growing on it. It is in a cluster of bushes and gets mostly morning and early afternoon sun. The berries also have small bumps at the stem. I have ...
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