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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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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Central Texas flowers suitable for cutting from Leander TX October 29, 2011 Please suggest Central TX native flowers that would be especially suitable for a "cutting garden" for interior arrangements. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Blue wildflowers for Massachusetts meadow garden September 30, 2011 I am restoring a 1980's era barn in Massachusetts. To celebrate the roll-out of the restored barn, I would like to plant wildflowers in the hayfield next to the barn (aprox. 3 acres). I would like ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Evergreen privacy hedge resistant to verticillium wilt September 27, 2011 I am looking for an evergreen, fast-growing privacy hedge (over 6') that is resistant to verticillium wilt and has low water requirements. I live in Monrovia, CA and have to replace hopseed bushes w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants to stabilize sandy slope in Massachusetts September 23, 2011 Dear Mr. Smartypants, I am working on a small public housing project in Chelmsford, MA, northwest of Boston. We have a steep, sunny and SANDY slope and I am stumped as to what to recommend that wi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native alternative for liriope September 20, 2011 I am looking for native alternatives to liriope for use in sun to part shade, moderate moisture planting beds. Would prefer evergreen options. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Trees suited for rocky, caliche soil of Central Texas September 20, 2011 I need to replace aging ashes. I have planted 2 Monterey oaks, but I would like to know what else I could plant whose roots will grow well in NW Austin caliche, rocky soil? Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
List of plants native to the Abilene, Texas area September 15, 2011 Am looking for direction to a complete list of plants native to the Abilene, Taylor County, Texas area (trees, shrubs, grasses, cacti and other plants that grew here before cultivation, eradication or... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Is there a recommended list for Texas Eastern Cross Timbers? August 29, 2011 Is there a recommended list for Texas Eastern Cross Timbers? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Need Plants and Soil for a Green Roof in Buffalo, TX September 13, 2010 I'm building a green roof on my cabin in the Buffalo, Texas, area. Would you know what soil and plants would be best suited for that area? I have a lot of sand I could use, but didn't know if that... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plants for Michigan February 10, 2008 Hi I was wondering if there are native plant lists for various regions of Michigan. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plant fans for choosing native plants for the Central Texas region January 05, 2008 Has anyone created a plant "fan" that identifies and gives pertinent information on plants for the Central Texas region? The sample that I've found on fourpebblepress.com seems to cover the Rocky ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Winter plant for area with poor drainage. December 07, 2007 I have a 2 ft by 15 ft bed between the concrete patio and the pool that gets run off from the porch roof. I can't gutter the roof, so the bed can get very wet and stay that way for some time. It face... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native plant lists for eastern Washington and trace element absorption by plants November 06, 2007 I'm a graduate student at Washington State University in Pullman. I'm currently working out a method (in my head) of utilizing neutron activation analysis of prehistoric animal bone to figure out h... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Hardy perennials for Chicago June 15, 2007 I have a duplex condo in Chicago. My basement or 1st floor is at sub-sidewalk level. This "patio" faces east and gets about 4 hours sun a day. It is about 8 feet high and covers an area 15x9. I'd l... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Need low-maintenance plants for courtyard in full sun in Rhode Island June 01, 2007 I live in West Warwick, Rhode Island. I am designing a courtyard which because of its shape and design receives full sun all day. I am looking for flowers and plants which thrive in the sun yet are ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for mountainous regions April 04, 2007 I am writing a novel which is set in a mountainous un-named region. Are there any plants,trees & shrubs that are common sights in a number of regions. I don't want anyone to be able to specifically ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Listings of the native plants in Texas September 15, 2006 What are the native plants in the state of Texas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Garden/landscape software for native Texas landscape March 17, 2005 What garden/landscape software program(s) would you recommend for a native Texas landscape design? I haven't found one that includes Texas plants in the standard plant encyclopedia. Any hints would b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Native Plants for New England February 18, 2003 Can you assist me in finding more information on flowers and plants in Massachusetts and New England? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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