Native Plants
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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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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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| protecting native trees during drought June 07, 2011 We are very concerned about our mature live oaks and cedar elms because they are so stressed due to the drought. We have lost several of our mountain juniper and I really don't want to lose our more... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Watering oaks in Houston, TX. June 07, 2011 Our yard (Real County, TX.) has many oak trees. We never water these trees, but I wonder if you recommend watering during this extreme drought. The trees look very stressed and are covered in ball m... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Powdery mildew hits Rock Rose in Round Rock Texas May 05, 2011 My beautiful Rock Roses have gotten spots of white fuzzy "fur" on their leaves in the past month. This is not something they have ever had before and I'm worried its some kind of disease. Is it so... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Drought tolerant Plants and moving Wax myrtles in Austin April 30, 2011 Mr. Smarty Plants, What are the most fire resistant and drought tolerant plants for caliche soil in Austin area? I am considering relocating or removing my wax myrtle shrubs because they are ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Irrigation of landscaping project after 1 year in San Antonio November 10, 2010 Hello, I am working on a project in San Antonio where the following vegetation types have been specified: cedar elm, bald cypress, 'Tifway 419' bermuda grass, mountain laurel, esperanza, and lantana... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Blackfoot daisy declining in Austin September 04, 2010 My Blackfoot Daisies have grown large, bushy, have bloomed well over the past two summers. Now parts of the plants are drying up, dying. Will pruning out the dead parts help the plants to survive, or ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Mexican Plum not doing well in Liberty Hill, TX. September 03, 2010 Two summers have passed since I planted my Mexican Plum. It's in full sun. It seems to have added height but not much width. It's virtually a 7 foot stick with 1 foot branches from top to bottom. It... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Copper Canyon daisy leaves turning yellow in Spring Branch TX September 01, 2010 My Copper Canyon daisies have grown well this year but the leaves are turning yellow. Any ideas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Patio plants suffering from heat in Austin August 22, 2010 My patio plants are burning up from the intense sun of Austin's August. Last year it even burned the leaves. Besides moving 40 plants to a shadier spot do you have suggestions on how to protect the... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Failure to thrive of desert willow in Wimberley TX August 10, 2010 I have a desert willow. It is always, whether I water it or leave it alone, yellow/ brown leaves, dark spots on the leaves, losing leaves. now it looks sad and not very healthy. Can you please tell m... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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