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
Hampshire, IL
Overwintering Yucca Seedlings in Illinois
I have many yucca seedlings I started this year. My question is what do I need to do with them to overwinter here in Northern Illinois and when do I plant them in the ground for best chances of survi...
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Hampshire, IL
Trimming prairie coneflower for lower height when blooming in Hampshire IL
Can the prairie coneflower, Ratibida Columnifera, be cut by half or some amount before setting flower buds to force the plant to bloom at a shorter height? If not, when is the best time to dig and tra...
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Pingree Grove, IL
Transplanting a blue spruce from Pingee Grove IL
Transplant 18" Blue spruce from 5 gal. bucket to ground.
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Huntley, IL
Plants for a shady spot in Illinois
I live in a new development in Huntley, IL. I am looking for native trees, shrubs, plants and/or flowers to plant on the North side of my house. Fairly shaded. Hopefully something attractive and co...
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Crystal Lake, IL
Identification of plant in Illinois
I've found a plant that I cannot identify. The plant is is very short, 2 inches tall maybe, and has very fragile, thin leaves and stem. The leaves about 1" long, are pinnate, with about 20 leaflets ...
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Crystal Lake, IL
Types of Eragrostis lovegrasses that will survive in Northern Wisconsin
I am interested in plains lovegrass, and know that it primarily grows in southern climates. Do you think it could thrive in northern Wisconsin if it is planted in a protected area? Could it survive ...
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Crystal Lake, IL
Plants for a sandy slope at a weekend cabin in central WI.
I have a cabin in central Wisconsin where the soil is equivalent to a sandy beach. There are some areas that are nearly impossible to mow because of how steep the incline is. Could you recommend som...
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South Elgin, IL
Flower color under large pine tree from South Elgin IL
I have a very large pine tree that I would like to plant some flowers under. I have hostas, stonecrop and fern, but like to add some color. What do you suggest? Thank you.
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Woodstock, IL
Hedgerow to block sounds and scenes of traffic
What would make the best year round hedgerow to block the sight and sounds of traffic 60 feet from my house?
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Cary, IL
Water-loving evergreen for Chicago
Is there a water loving evergreen that will do well in the Chicago weather?
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St Charles, IL
Hardy plants for a narrow yard in Illinois
I have an area in my yard that is approx 35 feet by 5 feet that is shaded on the east by a 4 ft fence and on the west by the house and above by trees. It slopes off to the neighbors yard (so doesn't ...
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DeKalb, IL
Identification of Wood from Frying Pan Ranch Near Amarillo, TX (possibly Cholla)
I'm doing research for a museum exhibition and have been told the "holey" piece of wood from The Frying Pan Ranch near Amarillo Texas is "chollya" but I can find no information. Can you help?
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Bartlett, IL
Identification of wildflower in Illinois
I have a similar question to the one asking about the blue/lilac wildflower in Illinois. Every year here in IL a blue, stragly, petal-ed flower/weed blooms - particularly along the edge of curbs alon...
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Hoffman Estates, IL
Grass for detention pond in Illinois
Hi, please advise regarding grass for bottom of detention pond. I have pond with drawdown time 4 days, what grass could survive being underwater 4 days, and not die? Thank you.
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McHenry, IL
Bluebonnets in pots in New Caney, TX
My mother in New Caney (Texas), would like to plant Bluebonnets in some lovely terra cotta containers on her porch (and will hopefully mail me some dried pressings of my beloved state flower). Other t...
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Island Lake, IL
Is the Obedient Plant a bog plant?
I purchased 2 obedient plants at a farmer's market in Michigan. As I was unfamiliar with this plant, the merchant told me it did well in full sun. It was just what I needed. When I got home I look...
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Wauconda, IL
Plant identification of vine with purple fruit
Illinois: I have a vine, red stems purple fruit with grape like clusters (sweet.hope it wasn't poisonous)What is it?
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Johnsburg, IL
Propagating a new tree from a magnolia in Johnsburg IL
My friend would like to reroot her magnolia tree in her front yard to bring it with her to Memphis. The tree is huge and easiest to reroot if possible. Does she trim branches to root, or dry the seeds...
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Schaumburg, IL
Looking for cover
I live iin Schaumburg, IL and have a difficult spot (extreme sun and heat in summer (South Side of house). I'm looking for a very short ground cover - < or + to 6 inchees. Does Arabis hirsuta fit t...
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Schaumburg, IL
Best pine tree for northern Illinois
I live in Schaumburg,IL. What would be the best type of pine tree to plant?
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Schaumburg, IL
Ideas for first-time gardener in Chicago
I am a first time gardener, so I know very little about planting. I live in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Can you give me some flower ideas that I can plant that are easy to maintain? I don't ...
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