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topicquestion
Spot for communion and tree planting on Long Island
February 20, 2012
I'm planning to combine my son's communion and a tree planting memorial for his uncle/godfather that passed on Valentine's Day. I'm looking for a venue on Long Island that can combine both on May ...
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Need a 2-4 ft shrub for the shady NW side of the house in Austin, TX
February 07, 2012
I am looking for a 2-4 ft tall shrub or hedge to plant along the NW side of my house, which is shaded by a live oak. This area doesn't get any direct sun. I wondered if a row of Winter Gem Boxwoods ...
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Trees to replace some non-native invasives in Deltona FL
February 02, 2012
I would like to replace 3 large ChinaBerry & 3 large Chinese Tallow trees in my good sized back yard with some local wildlife friendly trees native to the Deltona area(first area.) What do you recomme...
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Reducing Allergens in Yards and Gardens
January 31, 2012
What are some allergen-free native plants to Central Texas that thrive in the soil and can survive in the weather?
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Identification of bushes with red berries in Tennessee
January 31, 2012
I was recently traveling thru Clarksville, TN and saw these bushes (at the shopping mall) that had clusters of small red berries on them. They were not a Holly that I know of. The leaves were not th...
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Trees and shrubs turning brown in Dripping Springs TX
October 31, 2011
Due to the extended drought - a number of trees and shrubs in our Dripping Springs area property have turned brown. Specifically: Live Oak; Agarita; Ash Juniper; Cedar Elm. Is this a dormant stag...
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Replacing non-native boxwood in Austin
October 03, 2011
I have a large maze garden, possibly boxwood, originally planted in the 1950's, in Austin, Texas. About 1/3 of it has died out, probably due to drought, heat and age. Should I attempt to replant ju...
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Pest damage to Yaupon shrubs in Austin, TX
September 18, 2011
I have noticed pest damage in our 4 ft. yaupon. There are circular holes eaten on 90% of the leaf growth. Trunk & branches look untouched and healthy. Could this be leafminers? How can I care for it?...
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Need shrubs to plant alongside a swimming pool in Tampa, FL.
September 05, 2011
I Have a 3 1/2 foot gap between my pool screen and back fence. This gap runs about 30 ft. long. I would like to place small trees to look beautiful and to grow 6-8 ft. high to screen out my neighbor...
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More information on Malvavaceae from French botanical garden
September 04, 2011
hello thanks for the reply in your garden all of yours Malvaceae interested us but priority for this species could you help us ? regards Fabrice Absous Allowissadula holosericea Bastardia ...
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Tall screening tree for Santa Barbara, California
August 20, 2011
Hi, we live in Santa Barbara, California. We are looking for a tree between 20-30 feet high to block the neighbors two-story house yet the area we have to plant is 3 feet from the fence to the drivewa...
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Is Savannah Holly poisonous to burn in Hanahan, SC.?
August 20, 2011
Can you please tell me if the wood from a savannah holly bush is poisonous to burn?
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Newly planted Burford Holly doing poorly in Austin, TX.
July 25, 2011
About a month ago I bought dwarf burford holly. Now they have slowly started getting brown leaves that eventually fall off. Some of the plants have white spots on the ends. I usually check my plant...
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Eliminating a briar vine in American holly
July 22, 2011
I have a wild vine (I was told it is a type of briar) living on my place. The root nest is like a potato. I have dug them up, I have sprayed them and I still am plagued with them. I have a beautiful A...
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Leaves on yaupon holly turning brown/black
July 20, 2011
Arlington TX Yaupon Holly has leaves on stems closer to the bottom of the plant and moving up that are turning brown/black. Is this a disease, over/under watering? There is black gummy soil, but it ha...
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Evergreen for privacy in PA
July 18, 2011
We need to plant a privacy/sound barrier hedge/hedgerow and my husband says it must be evergreen. I am not familiar with which species would be native to our area and I just don't trust those big sto...
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Need suggestions for alternatives for Crape Myrtle in Washington, DC.
July 15, 2011
What can you recommend as native alternatives to the shorter (garden-sized) crape myrtle cultivars?
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Why do my Possumhaw Holly berries fall of in the summer in Euless, TX?
June 28, 2011
My possumhaw holly has LOTS of green berries in the spring but they fall off in summer, so that I have only a handful of red berries in the winter. What is going wrong?
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What's attacking my Nellie Stevens Holly plants in Iredell, TX?
June 27, 2011
I just bought 10 Nellie R. Stevens holly bushes and planted them as a screen. The leaves on some of the plants are at least half white - not yellow but white. Apparently they were like that when I b...
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Shady shrubs for an ugly fence in New Jersey.
June 23, 2011
What type of tree or shrub can I plant in 07747 NJ to cover an ugly fence that gets little or no sun. Thanks
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Keeping deer away from non-native plants in Lansing MI
June 22, 2011
What is the real - best way to keep deer from eating my Hostas, Garden phlox and lilies? Ive tried the stinky spray and the fertilizer granules that deter, to no avail.
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Shrubs for a fenceline in NY
June 16, 2011
Need to replace shrubs along a fence. Currently have Honeysuckle and they are very old. Would like to have something different with more color & interest during winter months. The line of shrubs are h...
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Identification of plant from Tennessee
June 06, 2011
I was trying to find the identity of a plant my Grandmother grew around her house in West Tennessee. It was a nonflowering plant, about 12-24 in tall, had thornless leaves similar in shape to holly l...
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Something killing evergreens on Long Island from Baldwin NY
June 06, 2011
What seems to be killing so many of the evergreens on Long Island - see more and more dying each day - doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason - can it be helped? Many thanks.
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Evergreen Deck Plant for Oregon
May 29, 2011
Need evergreen shrub to grow in shade in container 5ft tall for deck.
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Shrubs to grow in a narrow area no taller than 3 ft. in Cadiz, KY.
May 27, 2011
I need to plant shrubs in a narrow area between my house and sidewalk. I have a low porch so I want the shrub to grow no taller than 3 ft. What do you recommend? It is in full sun.
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Replacing Nandina with natives for a schoolyard in Washington DC
May 11, 2011
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, Our schoolyard now has some invasive plants in the landscaping that we would like to replace with native plants. We have four clumps of Nandina planted at each pillar along a...
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Shrubs for a screen in DC
May 05, 2011
Live in Washington DC vicinity (zones: 7-8). Looking for hardy shrubs to screen a 47 foot long picket fence and provide barrier to neighbor. It is western exposure with sun light. Ideally evergreen, d...
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Is it live oak sprouts or parasites from Austin
April 30, 2011
You must get tired of questions about "Live Oak sprouts." I just read your recent Q&A about this. But I'm getting mixed info about whether the "sprouts" are actually Live Oak growth of some sort ...
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How do I save my recently transplanted yaupon holly?
April 20, 2011
Recently transplanted (two weeks ago) a yaupon holly tree from one part of the yard to another. Leaves are beginning to turn yellow and fall. What can be done to save this plant?
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Chlorotic leaves on yaupon in Austin
April 04, 2011
My yaupon holly looks chlorotic, it is 7 years old, I do not feed it, just a little seaweed occasionally. I am a totally organic gardener.
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Possibility of growing a Lacey Oak in Katy, TX
April 04, 2011
I live in Katy, TX - west of Houston and would like to place a Lacey Oak tree in my yard. We enjoyed this tree in our former home south of Dallas - and I understand it does better in alkaline soils; ...
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Re-landscaping neglected garden in Franklin CT
April 03, 2011
I am starting from scratch in a yard that has no planting beds or, for that matter, plants at all. House was vacant for quite some time, grass was three feet tall when we moved in. I would like to p...
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Shrubs for planting under hollies in DC
April 01, 2011
I would like shrub suggestions for planting under holly trees. I live in Washington, DC and have 2 very well-established large holly trees (2 story tall trees) in the front of our house, facing north...
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Is Yaupon Invasive in the Austin Area?
March 24, 2011
Is Yaupon Holly invasive in the Austin area? Should we be removing it from our yards and/or greenbelt spaces? Thanks for your input!
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Various holly hybrids or selections for Pflugerville TX
March 24, 2011
I love Savannah Hollies. I used them all the time in the Dallas area. Now that I have moved to Austin, I am wondering if I can plant them in this area. I have a soil pH of 7 and drainage is moderate. ...
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Deer Damage to Pencil Holly in Michigan
March 15, 2011
I have 5 sky pencil holly bushes that are about 3 feet tall each..they don't grow very fast. I was looking forward to them reaching the 7 feet mark one day, as they are going to serve as a screen be...
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Hedge plantings for Flower Mound, TX
March 14, 2011
Need to cover ~ 1000 linear feet with a thick hedge plant that will be ~ 8-15 ft tall, 8-12ft wide, fast growing, evergreen, drought resistant. Live in Flower Mound Tx. Researching on Red tip Photinia...
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Screening trees for PA
March 13, 2011
We are looking to plant some privacy trees in back of our home. Since our neighbor is directly behind us but we don't want to plant something distasteful to our neighbor. Do you have a recommendation...
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Rooting hybrid Savannah Holly from cuttings from Gainesville FL
March 04, 2011
I need instructions on rooting the Savannah Holly from cuttings. I understand that seedlings will not be true to the parent..is this true? Please help. What type of soil mix should I use?
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Propagation of native plants by seed in Round Rock TX
February 26, 2011
I'm trying to include more native and adapted low water use plants in the landscaping of my yard in Round Rock Texas. Due to a limited budget I've been collecting seeds from plants around the area ...
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Adventitious sprouts from Live Oak in Dallas
February 26, 2011
How do I kill Holly growing in my yard? I have a Live Oak tree growing in my Bermuda grass lawn. The holly grows under the tree from the trunk extending out about 12-15 ft. It grows right in with the ...
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Need evergreen, drought tolerant shrubs to plant next to driveway along property line in Austin, TX.
February 23, 2011
Just moved to Austin, TX. What evergreen, drought tolerant shrubs could I plant by driveway, full sun, next to neighbors lawn. I don't want to mow, space is 3.5 ft. wide by 15ft. long. I thought ab...
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Screen for utility box in Seabrook TX
February 21, 2011
Utility box cover: Thinking of using star jasmine on a three sided fence/trellis. Each side 3 ft sq. I can send a picture. Not sure best fence style to use or way to plant. Suggestions? Need cove...
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Looking for plants for a privacy hedge, besides Ficus nitida, in Norco CA.
February 02, 2011
I am looking to plant a hedge for privacy along my property line. We have horses so I need to make sure that what I plant is not toxic. Would Ficus nitida 'Little Gem' be a good choice? I...
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French Provincial Garden using Natives
January 31, 2011
I am designing a French provincial garden near Waco Lake, I am looking for some native shrubs and ornamental grasses to augment the myriad of lavender, roses, and lilies in the proposed design.
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Deer-resistant plants for Williams, OR
January 24, 2011
I live in Williams, Oregon. I would like a listing of deer resistant, drought tolerant,evergreen, fast growing, native plants that can be used as a privacy screen on property perimeter.
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Origin of name of hybrid Ilex x attenuata
December 11, 2010
Could you please tell me where Eagleson, or also called Eagleston Holly got its name ?
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Evergreen Hedge for Austin
November 28, 2010
Hello, We live in Austin and have a yard that is almost fully shaded. We have a few burford holly bushes there, but would like to add some evergreen interest. We would love a tall hedge (around 8 ft...
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Further question on sprouts from holly tree in Surprise AZ
November 16, 2010
Thank you Barbara Medford for your response to my question about the sprouting holly tree in Surprise AZ. I took for granted that the tree I was talking about was a holly tree. I looked at pictures of...
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Sprouts at base of holly in Surprise AZ
November 15, 2010
Friends have recently planted a holly tree in their front yard. They live in AZ and there is no grass (only rock) around their tree. It was planted as a fairly large tree (about 18 feet).My question i...
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Evergreen tree for planter in Sherman Oaks CA
November 11, 2010
We have a large cinder block planter, 6ftx6ftx6ft,in the back of our building and would love to find a good evergreen accent tree (but not pine like). Planter is near a building so preferable it shoul...
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Landscaping north facing wall
November 08, 2010
We live in the Dallas area and have a north facing home with a large, bare wall. I would like to plant a tall, flowering shrub that will look nice all year round. Or are there flowering vines that a...
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Year-round privacy screen of evergreen plants.
November 02, 2010
We need a year-round privacy screen of evergreen plants.
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Need pruning advice in northern Michigan
October 27, 2010
Is it OK to prune my evergreen bushes and holly in October in northern Michigan?
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Hedge options for Sag Harbor, New York.
October 11, 2010
Hello, My fiance and I live in Sag Harbor, NY on the East End of Long Island. We would like to plant a hedge across our yard to separate the front and back and have privacy. Here is a picture o...
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Moving a volunteer holly from Springfield IL
October 11, 2010
When would be the very best time to move a volunteer holly? I would say it is 3 years old, it stands about 5 feet tall, shaped like a very nice tree and it keeps its leaves. Thank you. Karen
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Evergreen tree for California screen
September 28, 2010
Dear Mr. Smarty Pants, I need a tree for screen and privacy. Our neighbors are building a second story. We will loose our privacy and our patio will be like a fish bowl. I will plant it about 2 fee...
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Horse-friendly plants for Powell OH
September 24, 2010
I am looking for horse friendly plants, i.e., shrubs, trees, bushes, etc. that can be planted in wet area in Ohio. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
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Native shrubs for containers in Los Angeles, CA
September 23, 2010
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants - We are looking for some non-vine potted plants to grow on our balcony for privacy in Los Angeles. The balcony receives partial direct sunlight & we would like the growth to...
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Landscaping around a pear tree in Tyler, TX.
September 22, 2010
We have a large raised flower bed, approximately ten feet by ten feet, surrounding a mature flowering pear tree. Do you have any suggestions for landscaping with native plants in this bed?
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Tree or shrub for acoustical protection in Clermont FL
September 20, 2010
What type of tree or shrub would be best to lower the db level of freeway noise in Central Florida? I live about 3/4 of a mile from a freeway but due to the wind and hills it causes the noise to bounc...
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Native tree for San Diego, California
September 19, 2010
I have conflicting info about the Mayten tree. Pro: recommended patio tree, medium water needs, does not drop seed or leaves. Con: broadly invasive suckers, messy drop. I am in San Diego, Californ...
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Need Small Native Shrub in Dallas, TX
September 17, 2010
We live in Dallas and are looking for a dwarf bush that we can plant in the space between the sidewalk and the street in front of our house. It would receive full sun to partial shade. We would like...
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Tree for memorial in Levittown NY
August 09, 2010
I am planning a tree planting memorial in Wantagh Park and I don't know what will be hardy enough to grow there. There are the constant breeze and salt water elements to deal with there and of course...
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Want to take cuttings from Yaupon in Tomball, TX.
August 06, 2010
From Tomball, Texas - we have a very shaded back yard and would like some lower growing shrubbery as a screen for the neighbors. Wild yaupon holly is growing well on the fringes and I would like to f...
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Evergreen shrub/small tree for screen in southern California
August 06, 2010
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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Will Prunus caroliniana (Carolina laurelcherry) be toxic to chickens?
July 25, 2010
We are considering planting Carolina Cherry Laurels around our yard for dense hedging purposes. We are concerned because we have a small flock of free-ranging chickens who eat every seed and leaf in ...
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Evergreen tree for screen behind a waterfall
July 25, 2010
I want to plant 3 evergreen trees as a screen behind a waterfall and along a fence by my pool. We took down a wax myrtle due to winter/ice damage and the mess in the pool. I want male yaupon hollies...
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How can I control underground runners from from Pride of Houston Yaupons in Austin, TX?
July 16, 2010
How can I control the underground runners from the Pride of Houston Yaupons?
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Winter-interest plants in Wynnewood PA
July 11, 2010
Could you please suggest flowering plants that provide winter interest after drying out (ie with seed pods or interesting dried flower heads)? I'm looking for something that grows in full sun. Thank ...
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Evergreen tree for Southern California coast
July 06, 2010
I need a tree that is evergreen, non invasive roots that is not messy that can be kept at around 20 feet. We are at the edge of the thermal layer from the ocean. Thanks.
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Transplanting native yaupon into yard in Lowake TX
June 08, 2010
I have lots of wild yaupon in my pasture,can I transplant it to the yard?
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Plants that will grow on the Connecticut coast
June 08, 2010
I live on the coast in Connecticut and have a hard time growing plants here. I live about 1/2 mile from the beach and find that my soil is very rocky. The only plants that have done well in my yard ...
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Schedule for pollen and nectar for bees in Austin
May 27, 2010
For beekeeping in western Travis County (Cuernavaca at Bee Caves) I need to know what nectar and pollen is flowing when. I have asked my local beekeeping club, but they are in Blackland Prairie and d...
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Pollination of blackberries in Lake Winnebago, MO
May 27, 2010
Not sure if blackberries are native, but my daughter got a start of one at a plant exchange at the nature center. Do we need more than one for it to pollinate correctly? We have strawberries growing i...
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Evergreen large shrub/small tree for screen in Houston
May 26, 2010
I live on the west side of Houston Tx. I need an evergreen large shrub or shorter tree between myself and a busy neighborhood road. There is a power line above this so we would like something that e...
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Plant for part sun in Nampa Idaho
May 20, 2010
What could I plant in arid SW Idaho on the northwest side of my house along a border against the house? Most of the day this area is in shade, but at the hottest time of the day it gets a couple of h...
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Why doesn't my Possum Haw have berries this year?
May 20, 2010
A possumhaw holly has no berries as of mid-May. I planted this possumhaw last summer - it had lots of berries. Why would it have no berries this year? This spring I have two yaupons with lots of b...
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Plants for shade under pine trees in Grapevine TX
May 16, 2010
What plants are good to put under pine trees in the shade? I live in the Dallas Fort Worth area? The previous owners stuck a Japanese Maple in there that seems to be ok and some sort of holly bush (n...
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Evergreen plants safe for horses in Louisville, Kentucky
May 16, 2010
I have a horse farm in Louisville, Ky. I want to plant evergreen plants along the walls in front of the horse barns. What types of plants are not toxic to horses can I use? Thank you so much for all y...
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Non-blooming or fruiting Oregon grape holly in Elmhurst IL
May 14, 2010
I have an Oregon grape holly bush that has never bloomed and has never had fruit. I have had the bush for at least 6 years, it is approximately 5 ft tall. Have had no problems, just no flowers/fruit....
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Fast growing shade trees safe for livestock in pasture in Nashville GA
May 13, 2010
I would like a list of fast growing shade trees that are safe for cows and horses in a pasture.
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Small evergreen shrubs for Fairfax VA
May 13, 2010
I have a 2' wide 6' long strip between a brick wall and the front walk leading up to the entry way. Lavender has been a pain and I would like to replace it with an attractive evergreen alternate. ...
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A non-native Japanese Maple for Branchburg NJ
May 12, 2010
I am landscaping around my house and am looking for a tree that wont eventually grow too large. I thought maybe a bloodgood Japanese maple. Any suggestions would help
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Evergreen shrubs or small trees for privacy in Cumming GA
May 11, 2010
I have a eight foot fence in my back yard. My back yard is full of trees and is very shady in the late spring and summer months and in the winter when the leaves fall is very bare. I am looking for...
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Plants for a mixed hedgerow for privacy and for the birds
May 07, 2010
What are the best native plants for a mixed hedgerow in a small backyard? I want privacy (heights 5'-10') and bird friendly. Thank you for your information.
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Trees for pool area in San Ramon, California
April 24, 2010
We live in San Ramon. We are remodeling our pool and are looking for a tree that will be 15 feet from a pool. We just removed a pine tree. We have now lost our privacy and see the neighbor's back f...
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Tree for sound block near Houston
April 24, 2010
I live in Pearland, just south of Houston and am looking for a tree that I can plant along my fenceline between my neighbor and me that will block noise. We have a pool and entertain a lot, but they a...
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Correcting overgrown Savannah holly in Goldsboro NC
April 24, 2010
I have an overgrown Savannah Holly. How do I go about correcting?
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Compact possumhaw holly for Plano TX
April 19, 2010
What variety of possumhaw holly would be best planted close to a house? I'm looking for a variety 15-25 feet, as compact as possible. Any suggestions?
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Evergreen pet-safe shrubs for house and screening in McKinney TX
April 15, 2010
Looking for shrub, preferably evergreen, to plant near the house that can handle wet ground and is pet (dog, cat, horse) safe. The area became boggy after we had an underground water leak that is now ...
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Replacement for pygmy date palms in Spring, TX
April 15, 2010
We live in Spring, Texas and the front door of our house faces East. Last winter we lost both of our beautiful pigmy date palms! We are trying to find "unique" accent plants for our front entry. D...
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Shrub for part shade for hedge in Holly Ridge NC
April 07, 2010
We live in Coastal NC. We would like a type of shrub for the front of our home which is partial shade, similar style to a boxwood or trainable hedge. What NC native would compare?
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Are Hollyhocks deer resistant?
April 07, 2010
Are Hollyhocks deer resistant?
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Problems with non-native hollyhock in Austin
April 03, 2010
Our hollyhocks develop small yellow spots on the leaves; these eventually spread into little swellings on the underside; I think of them as lesions. They spread and the leaf turns brown and shrivels ...
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Blocking out noise from pond pump in Holly MI
April 02, 2010
My neighbor has a motor for his pond pump that faces my backyard--it is extremely loud and irritating after listening to it for 5 hours or more. Is there any type of shrub that I can plant to block o...
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How close to a female tree will a male Possumhaw Holly need to be planted to ensure pollination in Plano, TX?
April 01, 2010
I would like to plant a female Possumhaw Holly in my yard. Does a male need to be planted nearby in order for the female to have berries? If so, how close must the male tree be located?
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Fast-growing evergreens for privacy in Center, TX
March 30, 2010
I live in East Texas and am looking for a fast growing evergreen for a privacy screen around my backyard. The area gets partial sun and the soil has a lot of clay in it.
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Plants for floodplain in Fairfield, New Jersey
March 21, 2010
I have an easy question for you... I hope... We just moved into the floodplains of NJ in Fairfield and are interested in some plants. We would like to know what plants are best suited to grow in flood...
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