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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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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!

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topicquestion
Blue Mist Ageratum Shrub?
June 16, 2015
Is there a shrub version of Blue Mistflower Ageratum? I believe we saw some at the Butterfly Center in MacAllen. Would it survive in Georgetown, TX?
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Care for California lilacs from Portland OR
January 16, 2014
Hi There, We live in the Portland Oregon area, so temps are moderate and winters are wet. We have several California Lilacs that are about 7ft in height and have created the perfect screen. Love th...
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Oak root resistant hedge for Southern California
December 28, 2013
I live in Southern California and my cypress hedge has oak root fungus. What kind of hedge can I plant that will grow fast and be resistant to the fungus?
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Windbreak [Dustbreak] for Shelton, WA
May 31, 2013
I live on a well traveled, dusty, gravel road in the Pacific North West and would like to plant a barrier to help control the dust.
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Identification of plant with small lilac flowers in Laredo
May 14, 2013
Need help identifying the following: small lilac flowers in a cluster with seed pods, unpleasant scent which can be up to 3 feet tall ..wild flower or weed? am interested if it attracts hummingbirds...
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Shade Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Evergreen Hedge Suggestions for CT
April 30, 2013
I think I am asking for a lot, but here we go… Is there a deer tolerant evergreen that can grow in the shade and create a hedge of 5 feet tall here in CT? I am not opposed to ivy covering a fence if t...
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Plants to cover 1000 square foot wall in Virginia
March 29, 2013
In Norfolk, VA, I want to cover a large (1000 sq ft) cement wall with a variety of maintenance free plant life. Any recommendations?
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Evergreen screening plant for California
May 08, 2012
I am looking for an evergreen plant that can be used as a screen. Maybe something wispy. Any suggestions?
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Non-native lilacs for Salt Lake City, UT
April 15, 2012
Is the weather in Salt Lake City UT good enough to plant a lilac bush root? If not, how long should I wait?
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Eugenia Substitutes for Southern California
May 14, 2011
Is there a eugenia bush (preferable one that can grow tall) without berries. We like this plant but the berries create a problem. We live in Los Angeles, CA. Thank you.
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