Native Plants
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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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Questions From Near You
Indio, CA
Removal of pods when pruning Tecoma stans
When pruning Tecoma stans for growth and shape control,should I cut off the pods?
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INDIO, CA
Should flower stems of Texas mountain laurel be removed after they bloom?
Should I trim off the old flower stems from this years bloom on a Texas Mountain Laurel?
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La Quinta / Palm Desert, CA
Privacy screening shrubs from La Quinta CA
I need a solid row of screen tree / shrubs that are at least 10 feet (prefer 12) tall and can be kept trimmed to a narrow (6 foot or less?) width. Will be planted against a 6' cement wall facing west...
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La Quinta, CA
Plants for a nursing home resident from LaQuinta CA
I take care of an elderly woman with dementia. She is in a nursing home and she's always LOVES flowers and plants.
Do you have any suggestions for potted outdoor blooming plants for the summer in...
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La Quinta, CA
Looking for source of wildflower seeds in Southern California
I'm looking for a source of wildflower seed--a mix of annuals and perennials--for my desert location of La Quinta, CA
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La Quinta, CA
Difficulty identifying/finding a plant
I have been advised that the Calandria (sic) is a good plant to cover a cement wall surrounding our home in La Quinta, CA. I cannot find such a plant on line. Can you assist? I want to entirely cov...
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La Quinta, CA
Will wisteria grow in LaQuinta CA?
I have moved to the desert, near Palm Springs, CA from Omaha NE where I was an avid gardener. I would like to know if wisteria will grow in this environment, with temps up to 120 several weeks each su...
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Palm Desert, CA
Growing Magnolia trees in Palm Desert, CA.
Will magnolia trees grow in the Palm Desert/Indio, CA area?
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Palm Desert, CA
Flowering vine for shade in Southern California
Flowering climbing plant for shade in Palm Desert, CA.
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Palm Springs, CA
Pollinators for Palm Springs, CA
Just moved to Palm Springs, California. Hot and dry, desert region. What bee and pollinator-friendly plants would do well with full afternoon sun?
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Palm Springs, CA
Trimming damaged leaves on agaves
Some of the leaves on my agaves are damaged. Can I cut them off? If yes, how can I prevent the wound from becoming infected? Thanks.
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Palm Springs, CA
Privacy hedge for Palm Springs CA
Dear Mr. Smarty Pants
I have a 6 foot block wall, and my house is elevated, and I need a privacy hedge or tree (even flowering) to create more privacy. I do not want to use Ficus as I hear they can d...
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Joshua Tree, CA
National Events Calendar
Where is the link to the National Events Calendar?
I would like to submit two events for California.
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Aguanga, CA
Native plants and possible poisonous plants in Aguanga, California
I am in the process of moving to Aguanga California. I am interested in knowing what the native plants are in that area. Are they poison to animals and kids?
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Aguanga, CA
Origin of sticky, smelly substance on dog in Southern California
I just took my dog out (mid August) in Aguanga, CA (high desert) and, after coming back in, noted that his feet and legs were covered in a very sticky substance that STINKS - there is some kind of pla...
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Aguanga, CA
Determining best time to harvest deer grass seeds in California
When is the best time to harvest deer grass seeds at about 4,000 feet in southern Riverside County California??
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Aguanga, CA
Evergreen shrub/small tree for screen in southern California
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants - I would like to find an evergreen hedge, ~15-20' (or so) to screen a busy road (noise and visual). I'm zone 8b - 92539 (close to) - light snow in winter (to -25) and can ge...
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Aguanga, CA
Trees native to Anza Valley California
What are the best trees to plant in Aguanga, California?
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Hemet, CA
Spacing for a Desert Willow Tree in California
How close to a house can I plant a desert willow tree?
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Yucaipa, CA
Preventing seed production in non-native chinaberry in Yucaipa CA
You were just asked about "keeping almonds from producing" I actually found your site to ask how to keep a chinaberry tree from producing its berries. I am considering renting a commercial property ...
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Pauma Valley, CA
Need fast growing shade tree in San Diego County, CA
I am looking for a fast growing tree that provides great shade. The reason being, is I need shade for three horseshoe pits and the sooner i get shade, the better. I live in San Diego county, zone 9b. ...
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