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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| 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... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| 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... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| 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?? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| 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? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| 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... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| 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. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| 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. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| 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... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| 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... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| 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... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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