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topicquestion
Wildflowers for September wedding from Licking MO
June 02, 2013
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I am getting married this September in Licking Missouri back in the woods on my dads land. I would like to have wildflowers for the bouquets and reception decor. Can I get some...
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Why so many Sugar Hackberry seedlings in my back yard in The Woodlands, TX?
May 25, 2013
Why do I have so many Sugar Hackberry seedlings (Celtis Laevigata) sprouting up naturally in my back yard? There are a few Winged Elms in my neighborhood, but no Sugar Hackberry trees that I know of....
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Scarifying seeds of evergreen sumacs from Lockhart TX
May 19, 2013
Dear Smarty Plants, We would like to grow our own evergreen sumacs. Consulting Nokes book, How to Grow Native Plants on page 310, it says to scarify fresh uncleaned seeds for 30-45 minutes. On page...
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How do you determine male persimmon seedlings from the females?
May 11, 2013
I have got new persimmon seedlings about 3 inches tall this spring, and am wondering if there is any way to tell male from female at this young stage? I just don't want to plant 20 or 40 seedlings an...
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Removal of pods when pruning Tecoma stans
May 10, 2013
When pruning Tecoma stans for growth and shape control,should I cut off the pods?
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Are Eve's Necklace seeds poisonous to dogs from Plano TX
May 09, 2013
Are the seed pods on eve's necklace poisionous to dogs?
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Screen of Thuja Occidentalis on fire-damaged property in Bastrop TX
May 04, 2013
I want to plant a screen of Thuja Occidentalis on the east side of our driveway. It is in the burn area of Bastrop, TX. None of our trees survived. Will Thuja Occidentalis grow here? I saw some specim...
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Growing non-native grapefruit from seeds from Austin
April 30, 2013
Can you grow ruby red grapefruit trees from seeds?
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Spreading bluebonnets in pasture from Ledbetter TX
April 29, 2013
I've found a small patch of bluebonnets in my back pasture in Ledbetter, tx. What is the best method of encouraging their spread across the pasture? I've heard that one can pull up the plants and ...
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Source for seeds of Mexican primrose from Dallas
April 25, 2013
Can I purchase Mexican Evening Primrose seeds now for planting in the fall or do I need to wait for the fresh crop of seeds that will be gathered from this spring flowering. How can I be assured the ...
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Sharing Selfheal with Texas Friends
April 25, 2013
I have discovered selfheal plants in my yard. When and how do I collect the seeds or do I just dig up plants to share with friends? I understand this is actually an herb. I love identifying wildflower...
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Planted bluebonnets won't prosper in Bluff Dale, TX.
April 24, 2013
I have planted bluebonnet seed several years (this last year we planted inoculated seed) always the same results -germination, growth to 4-6 leaf stage, then very pale stunted growth, bronzing. soil t...
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Black bugs on yucca from Aledo TX
April 14, 2013
We have flowering yuccas that have thousands of small black bugs that seem to be hurting the plant. They are not on any other foliage in our beds. What do I use to get rid of them??
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Nimblewill grass for a shady area in Dallas
April 04, 2013
i have a very shady backyard and reading some of your post I think Muhlenbergia schreberi (nimblewill) will survive. Two questions: Is it drought resistant? Where can I buy the seeds?
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Few bluebonnets on MoPac in Austin
March 30, 2013
The grass fields along Mopac from Lake Lady Bird to Southwest Parkway usually have a grand display of bluebonnets. This year I do not see any color at all. Can you help me understand what is happening...
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Milkweed Seedlings Source for Austin, Texas
March 18, 2013
Where can I find seedlings or four inch pots of common milkweed? I have a backyard garden that is mostly filtered sunlight and space for them.
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Lack of Fruit on Forestiera
March 17, 2013
I have not been able to get berry production on my elbow bush. I have male and female plants. Is it possible to help with the pollination process? Thank you.
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Habiturf for Round Rock TX
March 17, 2013
Topic Habiturf. We have just aerated our lawn. We were planning on throwing out bermudagrass seed. We already have bermudagrass as well as many weeds in the lawn especially the blue stem clump grass w...
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Native lawn grass for Seabrook TX
March 12, 2013
We want to seed our lawn in Seabrook, Tx.77586 with a Natural Grass replacing our St. Augustine Grass. I think there is one that is drought resistant (only water it twice a month.) and that does not g...
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Starting Antelope Horn Milkweed Seeds
March 08, 2013
I recently found a sealed plastic bag containing milkweed seeds in a cabinet drawer that I had gathered more than a year ago, (maybe two years ago). These are the "antelope horn" milkweed I think it...
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Care for non-native Centipede grass
February 27, 2013
My lawn is Centipede. I have created a new lawn area. Can and when should I seed/overseed my lawn? I have Rye in the new area.
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Starting Tecoma stans seedlings
February 25, 2013
I planted and germinated several (about 40) seeds from my Tecoma stans plant and they all sprouted and grew very nicely. They are now about 6 weeks old and they don't seem to be making any more prog...
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Failure of flameleaf sumacs to produce fruit
January 09, 2013
Our two flame leaf sumacs produce none to little fruit. Both are about 4 years old, quite large, healthy looking; flowering this year was very good, but no fruit. What keeps them from producing fruit?
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Wildflower garden with Castilleja indivisa (Indian paintbrush)
January 08, 2013
I want to start a wildflower garden in my front/backyard. Specifically, I would like to include the indian paintbrush. What is the best way to go about this? Straight in the ground, containers, etc...
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Difference in acorn yields from Georgetown TX
December 27, 2012
Why do some live oaks produce acorns in abundance and others do not?
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Starting yucca from seed from Austin
December 24, 2012
I would like to start a soft leaf yucca recurvifolia from seed. Is that possible? Also, I've looked for seed on dried flower stalks, and I'm not sure that what I'm finding is the seed, and I ...
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Butterfly plants from Austin TX
December 17, 2012
I have a butterfly garden in the front part of the house facing the south side. However it is also mostly under a few Oak trees that cast shadow over half of the front yard starting early afternoon. ...
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Propagation of Chandler's craglily from San Marcos TX
December 16, 2012
Can you please advise me on collecting and propagating seed from Chandler’s craglily -Echeandia chandleri. I have 2 plants that came from the wildflower center. They never seem to multiply, but they d...
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Agarita and Mexican Buckeye not flowering or fruiting.
December 11, 2012
The Greenbelt behind our home has a ton of agarita and Mexican buckeye, but they never bloom or berry. The pigeon berry is very happily doing both all year. Any suggestions for helping the agerita a...
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Propagation of wax myrtle from Lafayette LA
December 10, 2012
Hello, I have a good portion of Wax Myrtle Seeds. How do I get them Started for planting? Have been told to put several seeds in a Jar lid in a very damp paper-towel & leave them there till they ...
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When to stop mowing Habiturf for seeding from Austin
November 14, 2012
I planted a native Habiturf lawn in my back yard last spring/summer and it is doing very well. The how-to mentions allowing the turf to seed out once per year to help maintain the lawn. Is there a bes...
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Male pollinator to produce berries on Juniperus virginiana from Amston CT
November 08, 2012
We have planted 3 juniperus virginiana 'Glauca' (on our Connecticut property) that have a few blue berries on them. Will they need a male pollinator to make berries? We do not have other juniperus...
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Grasses for horses in Austin
October 27, 2012
Hello Mr. Smarty Plants We just bought 4.5 acres in Travis County off HWY 290. We have 3 horses we keep on it but there is very little grass in the pastures. What is the best type of grass to seed ...
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Revegetating a hillside in western Washington state
October 10, 2012
Removing several downed trees across my dock demolished the native plants growing on the hillside and the contractor pulled out their remains. The area faces east on an open freshwater bay. Close to...
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Keeping a Texas Madrone alive from Belton TX
October 01, 2012
I have found a supplier of a Texas Madrone and have been wanting to grow one ever since our family vacation to Big Bend NP. My question is how do you have success with this tree? Many people say it is...
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Seeds of Meremia dissecta from Austin
September 30, 2012
I have a large quantity of seeds of Merremia dissecta that I acquired from plants growing in the parking lot of the San Antonio Museum of Art. (Hmmm… I wonder if it's called alamo vine because of som...
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Removing St. Augustine for natives in Grapevine TX
September 29, 2012
We have St Augustine in our yard and we hate it. It guzzles water, we have to cut it often, and it's thick and hard to work with. Anyway, we want to replace it with a combination of some kind of g...
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Source for book on Mimosa pudica from West Palm Beach FL
September 07, 2012
Where can I find the TickleMe Plant Book -the guide for growing the sensitive plant mimosa pudica seeds?This is the plant that plays dead when touched.
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Planting Texas Mountain Laurel to transplant to Dallas
August 29, 2012
My daughter would like to incorporate a tree planting ceremony in her wedding in Texas. The seedling would be planted in a pot for a few years and later transplanted in a yard when they buy a home. Wo...
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Propagation of Baptisia from Lancaster OH
August 24, 2012
My Baptisia has gone to seed. When can I plant these seeds? Do they need strat? (zone 5)
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Establishing wildflowers on a slope in Virginia
August 18, 2012
From Roanoke Virginia. I have a steep bank rising from one side of my driveway to woods above. Different areas vary from full sun, to half day shade. It is possible to carefully walk/stand on it, we a...
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Need tips for planting wildflower seeds in pots in Edinburg, TX.
July 22, 2012
Can you give me some tips for starting wildflower seeds in pots or trays, rather than outdoors? Is this even possible? Most instructions I have found are for seeding large areas. I want to get some p...
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Garden planning for wedding in Tallahassee
July 18, 2012
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I would love your advice on creating a Wildflower Garden Plan. Earlier this spring in Tallahassee (North Florida). I sowed Wildflowers for the first time to see what would blo...
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Adding Wildflowers to Corpus Christi
May 20, 2012
I have a dry sandy yard, full sun in Corpus Christi with lot's of stickers mostly, want to transform to wildflowers. When should I plant, how should I prepare soil, should I dig out stickers? Which w...
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Beans growing under artificial light from Vernon CT
May 04, 2012
What bean plant will grow the best under a flourescent,spot gro light,green transparent light,or Natural light and why.What caused it to grow like it did?
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Making sod from native grass seeds from Pflugerville TX
April 28, 2012
I am trying to install a native lawn. A story on KVUE suggested 2 lb Buffalo, 1.5 lb Blue Grama, and 6 oz of Curly Mesquite. I have some seeds purchased from seedsource.com about 2 years ago. I can...
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Care for oak acorns after planting from Huntsville TX
April 21, 2012
I planted oak trees from acorns, how often and how much do I water them?
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Seeds of agave attenuata from San Diego CA
April 16, 2012
After the agave attenuata bloom dried up there are seeds like thing hanging on the foxtail; do I leave it until it dies or do I chop that down. Are those seeds for propagation. The leaves of the plan...
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Seeds native to New Jersey from Glendora NJ
April 16, 2012
My sister is getting married and would like to send out native wildflower seeds to the guests in her save the dates. We want these seeds to be NJ native seeds, but we are actually having some trouble ...
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Time to mow bluebonnets from Smithville TX
April 12, 2012
When is the best time to mow the seeded Bluebonnets? I have them and Drummond Phlox in my front yard. I need to clean and trim to start pulling the large numbers of Purple Hooked Sandburr.
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Transplanting and germination of Pride of Barbados in Adkins, TX
April 02, 2012
What is the root system like of the Pride of Barbados? I have a lot of new plants coming up in my beds from seeds. Can these be transplanted to a new location easily without damaging the plants? If...
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Flowers for days on end in California
March 30, 2012
What are some plants or flowers that I can grow "all-year" in California?
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Dealing with rain runoff on a slope in Austin
March 24, 2012
Our lawn is a year old and slopes at about a 45 degree angle with a lot of small holes and tiny gullies from water run-off. I have tried packing them with soil, but it washes away in the rain. Would ...
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killing grass on 1 acre before planting Habiturf
March 04, 2012
I have an acre of full sun lawn on a slight slope in Dallas - would the habiturf be appropriate & if so, how do I go about killing off the existing weeds/crab grass before installing? Removing 3 in o...
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Planting wildflowers in spring for spring bloom
March 02, 2012
I was wondering if it is possible to plant wildflowers around this time of year, and expect them to bloom in the spring still? I have heard that many wildflowers germinate in the fall. Are there c...
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How do I plant seeds harvested from my flower bed?
February 28, 2012
In early Spring of 2011 I planted a new raised bed 75'x4' in size, with wildflower seeds obtained from a commercial nursery in Corpus Christi. I was taken back by their cost relative to the volume o...
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Fertilizing oaks to produce acorns
January 16, 2012
Will fertilizing oak trees help with acorn production?
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When to seed a native grass lawn in a drought area?
December 15, 2011
I want to plant a native grass lawn. It is raining now. Can I plant it in December? It might not be raining in the spring if the drought continues.
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Mexican Sycamore trees grown from seed
November 15, 2011
If someone is selling an alleged Mexican Sycamore grown from a seed harvested from a mature tree growing in Austin, is it likely to be a TRUE Mexican Sycamore -- or has it most likely been pollinated ...
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Desmodium spp. (beggar's lice) in Leander TX
November 11, 2011
Our home backs up to a greenbelt on Blockhouse Creek in Williamson County, Texas (FM 1431 and Parmer Lane). The combination of the flood and drought has left our beautiful greenbelt with an abundance...
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Growing bluebonnets in pot in Flower Mound TX
November 01, 2011
We received a package of bluebonnet seeds along with the DVD Wildflowers: Seeds of History as a gift. In the film, Andrea DeLong mentions that bluebonnets did not grow well in a rich organic soil. W...
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Ground cover for burned acreage in Bastrop, Texas
October 31, 2011
The fire took 2/3 of the trees on my half acre in Bastrop County. It was mostly wild. What do I plant for ground cover? Do I plant native grass seed in fall? I want to keep it native as possible. ...
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Comment on poisonous sweet pea plant from Kalama WA
October 29, 2011
No question, comment only. I am aware of the story of Christopher McCandless (Call of the Wild)and the belief that he was poisoned by ingesting part of the sweet pea plant; however I am curious what ...
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Source for seed of Blackfoot Daisy from Amarillo TX
October 29, 2011
I need help finding Melampodium leucanthum seed. I have spent the last few hours on the web searching for them. I checked the resources in your lists and cannot find seed. I live in Potter Coun...
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Planting Muhlenbergia capillaris (Gulf muhly)
October 27, 2011
Is it too late to plant Gulf Muhly seed in North Texas (October)?
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When to reseed wildflowers in a drought year?
October 18, 2011
My acreage with extensive wildflowers was mowed in 2010 before annuals had seeded. Only a few returned this year. Considering the predicted lonterm drought should I postpone reseeding this fall?
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Seeding the banks of a large pond
October 18, 2011
I have a 2 acre surface pond that is mostly a hard clay bank all around. The water level is way down and I will begin filling it very soon. I need to somehow being affordable, plant something or thing...
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Time for seeding wildflower seeds in Castle Rock CO
October 03, 2011
I live in Castle Rock, CO. When is the best time to plant wildflower seed?
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Golden groundsel plants or seeds for Bulverde TX
October 02, 2011
Where can I find golden groundsel, plants or seeds?
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Dill-like plant in veggie garden in California
September 28, 2011
I have a plant that appeared in my veggie garden. Looks like dill in spring when green, but the leaves smell more like turpentine! Now, 4-5 foot tall, brown, it produces lots of small, oval - not cr...
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Eliminating black locust volunteers in Rockville MD
September 27, 2011
I am a landscape designer whose client has a very large, mature black locust in her front yard. Not surprisingly, she also has multitudes of black locust volunteers popping up all over her yard. The...
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Source for Abutilon fruticosum (Indian mallow) seeds
September 24, 2011
Do you know anyone who has Abutilon Fruticosum (Indian Mallow) seeds for sale? I would love to grow the Indian Mallow, but can't locate a source. Thanks!
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Seed planting of Crossvine from Orlando FL
September 12, 2011
Seed planting of Bignonia capreolata - Tangerine Beauty. I have seed pods. Do I plant how deep and should I put in a plastic bag with a wet papertowel in the refrigerator and let it sprout? ...
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Ash tree shedding seeds early in IL
June 23, 2011
I've lived in my house 13 years now and have a large and old ash tree in my backyard near my patio. The seed pods are ten-fold this year and are dropping constantly. I've never experienced this co...
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Need information about broadcasting wildflower seeds in a pasture 70 miles east of Dallas, TX.
April 20, 2011
We recently moved to upper east TX - 70 miles East of Dallas. I would like to broadcast wildflowers in our pasture. I'm assuming I'll need to wait until next fall, but not sure about that. Can you t...
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How to grow bluebonnets in Atlanta TX
March 04, 2011
How can I grow bluebonnets in Atlanta Texas?
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Raising bluebonnets in Stanford CA
January 17, 2011
I'm a Houston girl now living in Northern California (Stanford). I would like to know if I need to adjust my growing timing for lupinus texensis? Mostly, I want to know when I should actually put th...
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How does Asclepias asperula (antelope horns) respond to fire
December 18, 2010
From your experience with prairie burns, how does Asclepias asperula (antelope horns) respond to fire? Thanks.
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Black-eyed Susans in potting soil on ground
November 12, 2010
I would like to know if black eyed susans can be planted in just potting soil instead of mixing it in with dirt from the ground? I don't want to leave it in the pots. I want to plant it, but the grou...
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Why all the acorns from Austin
November 03, 2010
What's the explanation for the huge crop of acorns falling from my live oak trees this fall. Do you recommend I dump them in my composter or just throw them in the flower beds? Thanking you in adv...
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Wildflower seeds affected by mulch in Austin
October 24, 2010
I have a small wildflower garden in my central Austin yard. In early summer, I had some extra mulch and put it in this garden. Now I'm thinking that was a mistake. The bed has re-seeded itself for se...
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How to make a lawn into a prairie in Arlington, Texas
September 15, 2010
I am removing lawn grasses in order to start a native prairie meadow. After grass removal, I'll put down 1/2" of compost. I will broadcast wildflower seeds on the compost. If I mulch after broadcas...
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Seeds for India from Guilderland NY
August 15, 2010
I have Green Cross “Non Profitable” trust in TamilNadu India. We are looking for free seeds from Government and other NGO foundations. Moto: Global Vowing awareness program and our volunteers help ...
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Sagebrush for Westminster CO
August 06, 2010
On a recent visit to Taos, NM we fell in love with the local sagebrush. We would like to plant this sagebrush in our yard. We are located near Denver Colorado. Would this plant survive and how do we g...
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Sprouts from Sabal palmetto in Charleston SC
July 23, 2010
I live in SC and have several palm trees (our state tree and symbol). The trees are wonderful, but my situation concerns the many, many sprouts that appear in the flower beds around the trees? Is the...
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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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Planting red Columbine and Cedar sage from seed in Canyon Lake, Tx.
July 06, 2010
I live near Canyon Lake, Texas in the Hill Country. I would like to plant red columbine and cedar sage in the shady areas beneath live oaks and ashe junipers within the limestone soil that is there n...
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Wildflowers planted in Pittsfield, IL to bloom the first of October
July 01, 2010
If I plant my wildflower seeds now in Illinois, is it possible they will bloom in three months (by the very beginning of October)?
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Cottonwood trees shedding in Orion MI
June 23, 2010
How long can I plan on my cottonwood trees (wild) shedding long wide cotton strips? This is a first for my trees. Usually it is fluffy small puffs.
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Number of seeds per pound for Curvepod fumewort from Bridger MT
June 17, 2010
Do you know or where can I find the number of seeds per pound for Corydalis curvisiliqua-scrambled eggs?
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Severely cutback sloping soil in Dripping Springs TX
May 09, 2010
We have 5.5 acres off Henly Loop just north of Hwy 290 about 10 miles west of Dripping Springs, TX. The former property owners carved out soil from a sloping area to get soil for the driveway. Doing ...
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Ground cover for steep slope in Washington DC
May 07, 2010
We have a steep slope in our garden in Washington DC which has sun from noon to sun set. Could you please recommend some low maintenance plants which would be a good ground cover and limit erosion?
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How and when to harvest bluebonnets.
April 30, 2010
A previous answer mentioned harvesting bluebonnet seeds by pulling up the whole plant when the seed pods turn brown. Two clarifications - when do the seed pods turn brown as these plants are hard to ...
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Collecting seeds of Anemone berlandieri, windflower
March 29, 2010
The recent rainy weather has produced a small colony of what I have identified from your web site as Anemone berlandieri Pritzel (Texas Anemone) in my backyard. Is there a way to harvest these seeds f...
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Time to mulch without inhibiting seeds in Hitchcock, TX
March 17, 2010
When would be the best time of year to put down mulch, if I want my native plants to re-seed? I don't want to bury the seed under mulch layers or new dirt. Thank you.
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Research on Atriplex confertifolia in Austin
January 21, 2010
I have heard a lot about Atriplex confertifolia (Shadscale). Has the Center done any research/trial growing of this plant for possible adaptability to Hill Country (west Austin) area? If this is a ca...
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Milkweed with the biggest pods in Smith County, TX?
September 11, 2009
I live in East Texas and I would like to know which of the milkweed plants bears the largest seed pod. I would also like to know the best time to locate the pods in and around the Smith County area.
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Erosion control in Santaquin UT
August 11, 2009
I have a hill in my backyard; it is about 40 ft tall and about 80 ft wide. It is probably a 1.5 to 1 slope ratio. I am going to be landscaping my back yard and have top soil put on the hill as well. S...
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Controlling erosion in Leburn KY
July 21, 2009
I would really appreciate advice on controlling a serious erosion problem in eastern Kentucky. The slope is north facing, shady and moist with rich soil. Would prefer to use native Kentucky plants. ...
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Clay hill with erosion problems in Reedsport OR
July 10, 2009
We have a very steep 35-40' clay hill subject to erosion in the Oregon rainy season. How or what do we do to get some kind of vegetation/grass, etc to grow without washing away? We have had mudslides...
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topicquestion

236 Results:   10  25  50 100 per page