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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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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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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

La Grange, TX
Plants for a sunny, sandy site in Central Texas
I live between La Grange and Schulenburg, Texas. My soil is sandy. Full sun, no trees. I am a senior citizen with limited funds who is allergic to Rye and Bermuda grass. I tried planting a lawn of...
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LaGrange, TX
Need help fighting grass burs in La Grange, TX.
I have 4 acres of wildflowers planted in my front yard. Unfortunately, grassburs have crept in & I need to control them with a pre-emergent. Will this keep the wildflowers from blooming? Also, would l...
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Plum, TX
Black Sooty Mold on Bay Tree
I have a large bay tree and all the leaves are covered with a black mold-like substance on the top part of the leaf. Under each leaf are some black/brown spots. I have washed the leaves with soap and ...
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Ellinger, TX
Flowers for sandy loam and sun in Fayette Co., Texas
Hi I am looking to know what the best flowers are to plant in sandy loam and no shade?
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Round Top, TX
Source for purchase of Texas ash tree in Round Rock, TX
Where can I purchase a Texas Ash (Fraxinus texenis)?
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Schulenburg, TX
Native wildflowers attracting bees in Schulenberg TX
What native wildflowers are honey bees attracted to?
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Smithville, TX
Light requirements for Heartleaf Skullcap from Smithville TX
How much sun or shade does Heartleaf Skullcap need?
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Smithville, TX
Planting of Habiturf from Smithville TX
Are Habiturf and Thunderturf the same? and, how late in the year can I plant Habiturf?
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Smithville, TX
Potting soil used in Wildflower Center nursery
I recently purchased several beautiful little plants at your Fall plant sale and notice how very happy and healthy they all are! Please tell me if you mix your own potting soil and what your potting ...
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Smithville, TX
Instructions for Plant ID
Hi- I have an unidentified small white flowering plant photo to try to identify. Would you be willing to see what you think it is or refer me to someone to whom I could send it? It was photographed on...
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Smithville, TX
Identification of Canopy Plant
I recently adopted a large house plant from a neighbor who moved away. He called it a 'Canopy Plant', but I'm having no luck with that name when I search for care tips. It seems to be in poor healt...
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Smithville, TX
Identification of bush with red berries
bush? grows along fence lines in rural areas; sheds foliage in fall; berries appear; colors vary from red to orange, depending on soil?
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Smithville, TX
Conditions for growing Anacacho Orchid in Smithville TX
What conditions (soil type, sun/shade, understory? etc.) to grow a healthy Anacacho Orchid tree? And what is the best size tree to plant?
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Smithville, TX
Drought-resistant and grub-resistant grass for Smithville TX
I want a drought resistant grass for a sunny area that is also resistant to grubs. I have lots of grubs but want a healthy soil of good microbes. Any ideas? Zoysia, Buffalo? I noticed that Tech Turf r...
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Smithville, TX
Screen plants for part shade in Smithville, TX
Thank you very much for your reply to my question about planting bamboo. I had no idea it was so invasive. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have for me. My goal is to provide a soft an...
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Smithville, TX
Non-native bamboo for a privacy fence in Smithville, TX
I am considering planting bamboo along my privacy fence inside my back yard. I like the informality of it and durability. Is it safe for children and pets?
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Smithville, TX
Native Christmas tree from Smithville TX
I've always wanted to use a native tree as a Christmas tree. Do you have any suggestions?
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smithville, TX
Hummingbird Attracting Plants for Shade in Smithville, TX
I want hummingbird plants for shade.
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Smithville, TX
Removing bermudagrass from buffalograss in Smithville TX
I have a lawn created two years ago with buffalo grass sod in Smithville, TX. Recently several areas of bermudagrass have started to flourish in the buffalo grass lawn. Can you recommend a herbicide...
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Smithville, TX
Native grass mix for Bastrop County, TX
I plan to put in a small lawn on a tract of land near Rosanky, TX in Bastrop County. There are scattered oaks but the yard space will be mostly open. Soil is basically sandy. Is there a good native...
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Smithville, TX
Non-native, invasive rescue grass in meadow garden in Smithville TX
Despite numerous efforts, a solid field of cool weather rescue grass keeps desired wildflower and grass seeds from successfully growing on my "vacant" lot in town. I plan to I put out a 6 ml plasti...
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