Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
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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Smarty Plants Question Topics
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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| Plants Needed for a Shaded, Rocky Slope in Alabama July 06, 2016 I live in Alabama where the soil is clay and rocky. I've tried planting on a rocky slope I have but, it's also shaded. Not even Juniper will survive on this slope. I've spent thousands of dollars tryi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Shade Shrubs for a NJ Slope June 27, 2016 I live in central NJ and have a 15' shaded slope behind my home with a creek on the bottom. The slope erodes a little every year and I want to plant native plants on the slope to stop the erosion. Wha... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Deer Resistance Input from Northern VA June 22, 2016 Hello. I live in the deer infested woods of Northern VA. I am always looking for plants that deer have little interest in to cover other plants. The deer generally have little interest in mints (Py... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Rabbit-proof Plants for Florida Swimming Pool Area February 22, 2016 I plan on planting white star jasmine and purple bocouilla plants around a south-facing swimming pool in Naples, Florida. I was told rabbits might eat them which we do have. Should I be concerned, and... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for a fairy garden February 16, 2016 Hi Smarty.. I would like to create a fairy garden for my 3 year old daughter this spring in a 4ft x 2ft space. Do you have any suggestions on what native plants would be great for this? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Shrub Recommendation for Chain Link Fence in DE January 26, 2016 What shrub would you recommend for covering a chain link fence and providing a screen between mine & my neighbors yard? They have kids, so it would have to be non-toxic. I'd like flowers/berries for ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Shrubs for 2,000 feet Elevation in AZ January 23, 2016 What shrubs can I plant in New River, AZ, 2,000 feet above sea level? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Climbing Roses for the Pacific Northwest January 23, 2016 I'm trying to find out which types of climbing roses may exist in the Pacific Northwest. I live in western Washington, and I have a small yard with several large hedges bordering it. I'm growing hai... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Shrubs for Birds and Bees in North Texas December 17, 2015 I have a small backyard and would love to grow native plants for North Texas. I don't think I can grow trees, but for sure can do 1-2 crape myrtle-size shrubs. I have some rose of Sharon's going on ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Hillside Groundcovers for Pollinating Insects in Wisconsin November 28, 2015 I am looking for native plants for a project around Hudson, Wisconsin. We are to choose native plants to be seeded next spring 2016. They are to be planted on a hillside under and around solar panels ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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