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Smarty Plants Question Topics
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| topic | question | |
| Rhizobium sources for bluebonnets March 25, 2008 Where can you buy Rhizobium for your bluebonnet seeds? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Texas bluebonnets for Illinois March 12, 2008 Thank you Mr. Smarty Plants. I will be closely checking the variety of Texas bluebonnets that I tried to plant. For the record, I did soak them first to loosen the seed shell. I think we probably just... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| History of the Texas Bluebonnet March 12, 2008 Hi, I'm working on an article for a newspaper and wondered if you could point me in the right direction to find out the history of the bluebonnet. When did it become the state flower? Is it really ill... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Growing Texas bluebonnets in North Carolina March 11, 2008 I live in North Carolina and love the Texas Bluebonnets. Can I create my own mix of soil to be able to grow them here? Soil is basically red clay and icky. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Bluebonnet seeds north of Chicago March 11, 2008 Hi My husband is originally from Texas - we now live north of Chicago. Last year he bought a whole bunch of Blue bonnet seeds from a company that said they would grow in our area... I planted enough ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Blooms as far as the eye can see March 06, 2008 Why are some wildflowers capable of putting on spectacular sweeps of blooms "for as far as the eye can see" such as Indian paintbrush at Vail Pass in Colorado, or bluebonnets in the Texas hill count... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Bluebonnets planted in late spring bloom, will they bloom again? February 06, 2008 New to South Texas & we decided to plant bluebonnets around our house. The seeds were planted in late spring & we were delighted to watch them start their initial growth-cycle. They ultimately produc... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Is there a variety of bluebonnet called black gumbo February 04, 2008 I live in Grimes County, Texas on the eastern edge of the Blackland Prairie. A few years ago my hillside of Bluebonnet seed was harvested. I was told it was a rare 'black gumbo' variety of bluebon... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| When do bluebonnets bloom in Austin January 03, 2008 When do Blue Bonnets bloom in Austin? We have someone who wants to come visit and see the Blue Bonnets and I want to tell them the right time of year.. Thanks!! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Germination of bluebonnets from seed December 16, 2007 I am having problems getting my bluebonnet (Alamo Fire and regular bluebonnets to germinate from seed). Usually I soak them in lukewarm water overnight then plant in a potting mix. I am only getting... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | | |
| Wildflowers for a wedding site November 11, 2007 My fiance and I would like to get married on his family's ranch, just north of Johnson City on the Pedernales river, in April of 2009. Currently, we are clearing the over-grown meadows of cactus and ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Soils for Central Texas wildflowers November 04, 2007 Our family is moving to 40 acres near Lexington, TX with deep soil. Briefly talking to personnel at the Wildflower Center during Goblins in the Garden, I found that not all flowers in the Central Texa... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| When to plant bluebonnet seed October 16, 2007 When do I put out Bluebonnet seed? Do I soak them first? Thank You. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Inoculant for bluebonnets October 08, 2007 Where can I find inoculant for my bluebonnets? I have searched high and low. Native American Seeds does not carry it. I can buy it for soybeans in a huge quantity, but am not sure that this is the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Removing St. Augustine, replacing with native plants October 06, 2007 Hello Mr. Smarty Plants, always excited to talk to the Green Guru himself. I've recently purchased a house in South Austin and am interested in establishing a small, 500+ sq ft, prairie grass and wi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Planting and growing bluebonnets October 06, 2007 I am looking for bluebonnet seed planting suggestions. when? How? I found a source for seed. I want to plant about 2500 sq foot area. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Franciscans and bluebonnets October 05, 2007 I always thought the bluebonnets were native to Texas. However, I'm reading a book on the Missions of Old Texas and the author states the Franciscan brought into Texas the horse, cow, honey bees ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Fertilizing wild bluebonnets September 26, 2007 Can you fertilize wild bluebonnets? If so, with what and when? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Grow bluebonnets in Virginia September 04, 2007 I want to ATTEMPT to grow some Texas Bluebonnets in VA because I am homesick and both our kids are back in Austin. That said, the site says " it may be necessary to inoculate the soil with a rhizobiu... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Toxicity of Lupinus ssp. (bluebonnets) June 25, 2007 Are bluebonnets toxic to cattle? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bluebonnets as a source of nitrogen fixation June 13, 2007 I am fascinated by Texas Bluebonnets and want to introduce them to k-12 students as a major source of Nitrogen fixation. As I want to present this to the teachers can I get any guidance from you, lik... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native flowers for color year round May 02, 2007 I have the opportunity to recommend plants for a religious organization. They want YEAR ROUND color in some areas, much like how commercial sites use annual color. I would like to suggest native/ada... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Hardiness of bluebonnet seeds under water and white bluebonnets April 30, 2007 I was trying to find out more about the hardiness of bluebonnets. We own a lot on Lake Travis near Spicewood Texas. As you are probably aware, the lake was very low this spring due to a drought that ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Planting bluebonnets along highway April 28, 2007 We are in the process of fencing our land located on a main highway. We are supposed to fence 80ft. from the center of the highway. That is a lot of land just sitting there. I wanted to know since we ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Planting time for bluebonnets April 23, 2007 When is the best time to plant bluebonnets? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Mixing of bluebonnets and buffalograss in a lawn April 22, 2007 I have moved into a house with a yard full of weeds. I would like to plant Buffalograss but understand Buffalograss is sparce and difficult to keep the weeds out. So, I was considering mixing it wit... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflower seeds that may be planted in late spring April 21, 2007 Monday April 09, 2007 Is it too late to plant wildflowers? I know nothing of the planting season of wildflowers however we are doing a residential ranch development and I would love to throw some see... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Bluebonnets in Colorado mountains April 21, 2007 Will Bluebonnets grow up in Colorado in the mountains? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets April 19, 2007 Are pink bluebonnets still considered very rare? I discovered several growing amongst normal blues on the National Instruments corporate campus here in Austin. I wasn't sure if the Wildflower Cente... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets April 19, 2007 I am a displaced Austinite - As of last week now living in upstate New York (Binghamton). As I was leaving town - a friend presented me with a pound bag of bluebonnet seeds. A thoughtful gift - but I... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Obtaining seeds for mutant white bluebonnet April 18, 2007 I have seen a white bluebonnet in Brenham on Easter and wondered how rare the white ones are and how you get seeds for those. Are there any special directions on collecting seeds for planting next fa... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets April 14, 2007 Do bluebonnets, being a legume, contribute anything beneficial to the soil? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Lupines for attracting deer in South Carolina April 06, 2007 I live in SC and was watching a TV show called "Making it Grow" and they did a segment on Lupine. The lady on the show said that the plant attracted whitetail deer and I was wondering if that was t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets April 05, 2007 I live in Hereford, Texas, near Amarillo. What would be the closest area for us to see fields of bluebonnets and when? Is it Wichita Falls? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Invasive common giant mustard March 14, 2007 I have been seeing a lot of a small shrubby plants with yellow flowers all over Austin, mainly along roadsides. Back in my day the first wildflowers of Spring were the paintbrushes and the bluebonnets... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets March 13, 2007 I want to go to the Willow loop north 7 miles or so of Fredericksburg to see the bluebonnets in bloom this year but don't know when the best time would be to see this spectacular view. I plan to be ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Blooming time in Austin for wildflowers March 12, 2007 Hi Mr. Smarty Pants!! I am a wildflower artist coming for my first spring visit to Austin to exhibit in the Artisan's Festival. As a wildflower fanatic, I am hoping to see and photograph some of "... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets March 10, 2007 It is the first week of March in northeast Oklahoma and I received a wildflower mix that is 60% Lupinus texensis or Texas bluebonnets. Should I wait until fall to plant or can I cold treat or do som... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | | |
| Sources of cut native wildflowers March 06, 2007 I am preparing for my garden club's annual flower show and I have been assigned Southern Graces in San Antonio. Is there a source for cut bluebonnets or indian paintbrushes? Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Reversion of maroon bluebonnets back to blue March 01, 2007 In the fall, I bought a flat of Texas bluebonnets. They are blooming now, and it turns out they are actually maroon bluebonnets! Which is really too bad, because I want blue bluebonnets. Do you know i... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Prediction on 2007 wildflower blooming chances February 25, 2007 Do you have a prediction on the wildflower season this year? Last year was very poor compared to other years and my sister from Georgia is wanting to visit this spring to go on wildflower expeditions... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Best planting time for wildflower seeds in Austin, TX February 13, 2007 When would be the best time to plant wild flower seeds and mow an area where we want to grow wild flowers in Austin Texas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Prime wildflower bloom viewing times in Texas January 31, 2007 I am planning to drive from Wisconsin to San Antonio in the spring. My schedule is flexible, so I would like to time the trip with the wildflower bloom. I grew up in Texas, but I can't remember when ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets January 30, 2007 When will the bluebonnets bloom in the Hill Country this spring? Please let us know. Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Identification of Sphaegneticola trilobata as non-native invasive plant January 24, 2007 Hello Mr. Smarty Plants, I have some wedelia growing but would like clarification on the type whether it is the texana or trilobata. Is the texana a bushy plant? Mine is more of the sprawling/tra... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets January 09, 2007 My wife has recently contacted and met relatives from Texas (her father was a war baby born in the 1940's). Her new found Aunt Sarah has kindly given me some Bluebonnet seeds to plant "a corner of T... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets January 09, 2007 I have had an area in my yard where I have established bluebonnets. Since we had such a dismal showing in the spring of 2006 I was looking forward to a great show for 2007. Lo and behold I had about... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Rhizobium inoculant for Leucaena and othr leguminous tree seedlings January 02, 2007 What sort of Rhizobium inoculant would be appropriate for Leucaena and other leguminous tree seedlings? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflowers for wedding mid-spring in Austin, TX November 10, 2006 My fiancé and I are both native Texans, and we are looking to have a beautiful yet simple wedding on March 31, 2007. We would love to use TX wildflowers. Our colors are white, orange, and blue. Wo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Viewing times for wildflowers from Ouchitas to Austin November 03, 2006 I'm a geographer and wildflower enthusiast considering a spring visit to the Austin area and want to find out the best time to view wildflowers and farm crops around Austin and also on the drive from... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Introduction of possibly invasive Texas wildflowers to Afghanistan November 03, 2006 I'm in Afghanistan right now, and at the USO over here there's a small garden where some service members have seeds sent from home to plant. I don't see any Bluebonnets so I asked my grandparents t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets September 13, 2006 I have a small field (about 1/2 acre) where I would like to grow bluebonnets and perhaps some other wildflowers for added color. Do bluebonnets need to be fertilized? Should I water them? How can I... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Best planting time for wildflower seeds in Texas September 08, 2006 My husband bought a large amount of wildflower seeds at the Ladybird Johnson's Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas several months ago, but neglected to ask when to plant them. Some were Bluebonnets a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets August 07, 2006 Can you grow Texas bluebonnets in Madison, OH which is right near Lake Erie? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Practicality of growing bluebonnets in Germany July 28, 2006 I am originally from Texas, but I am living in Washington and moving to Germany for the military. I desperately miss bluebonnets and my husband picked up a big bag for me as a present and have no ide... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native, non-invasive plant seeds for each region in U.S. June 09, 2006 I need to identify a wildflower from each region that we can package in custom packaging to use as giveaways at our member zoos and aquariums. Our project this year is called Conservation Made Simple... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native Texas Hill Country nitrogen-fixing plants June 07, 2006 Please help me find a listing of native (TX Hill Country) nitrogen-fixing plants. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets May 17, 2006 I'd like to know if Texas Bluebonnets or even Aggiebonnets (maroon bluebonnets) can be grown in the Phoenix, AZ area. If so, what conditions would you recommend doing this in, as our spring and summe... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets May 02, 2006 How are bluebonnets used by wildlife? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets April 05, 2006 Hello: We have been told that the sparse Bluebonnet appearance this Spring is due to sparse rainfall at the appropriate times. Were there fewer seeds to sprout and grow? Or are the seeds still ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Problems with propagation of Indian Paintbrush (Castileja indivisa) February 07, 2006 We are growing Indian Paintbrush. I have 2-300 seedlings. They were sown with fescue and have grown beautifully. Now they are approximately 4-6 inches high, a few have bloomed and many seem to be dy... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Boom time for Texas wildflowers and best sites for viewing February 01, 2006 I live in NJ and would like to visit Texas and see the bluebonnets and other wildflowers in bloom this spring. When do you expect the best display of flowers this year? Also, can you tell me where th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Guidelines for planting native wildflowers on roadside November 17, 2005 My 4th grade Girl Scout troop has chosen to plant bluebonnets and other wild flowers along TX Hwy 114 in Southlake as their project for their Bronze Award. Do you have a guideline that you follow w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Smarty Plants on forbs October 16, 2005 What kind of plant is a forb? I see the term used frequently in reference to grasses (I think), but I can't figure out exactly what a forb is. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets July 01, 2005 I've seen several recommendtions for using a Bluebonnet Inoculant when planting Bluebonnets. "For best success, we strongly suggest using Bluebonnet inoculant (to assist in fixing nitrogen into soi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native Texas plants that will grow in sandy soil and salt tolerant June 08, 2005 I am in the US Coast Guard and we are looking to plant some wildflowers. The plants will be near saltwater and may get exposed if the area floods during a tropical storm or hurricane. Being on the Gul... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Cut wildflowers for wedding in June in Panola Co., TX May 17, 2005 I need fresh picked Texas wildflowers for my son's wedding dinner on June 3. The wedding is in Carthage, Panola Co, Tx. I'm from Austin and am not familiar with that vicinity. What flowers should b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets May 12, 2005 My bluebonnet plants have seed pods (I guess they are, they look like pods of snap peas). Can I collect these or do I just leave them alone and hope they multiply? If I can collect them, what is the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| When to mow bluebonnets May 12, 2005 I have approx. 2 acres on the side and front of my house in Austin County. When can I mow the remaining high grass and not disturb the natural renewal? Also, I plan to purchase more bluebonnet seed ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Prairie Paintbrush and Managing Roadsides April 26, 2005 I have been visiting a piece of land beside I-35 for quite a few years now. It is home to tons of different plants, but it really has a fantastic show of Prairie Paintbrush - the multicolored ones, n... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Germination and propagation of bluebonnets April 25, 2005 I live in Austin. Last fall I spread a load of dirt on my lawn to provide soil contact for the 2 pounds of bluebonnet seeds I subsequently spread (this was in early November). The germination rate a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Possibility of survival of Genus Castilleja in Wisconsin April 04, 2005 In traveling through Texas last week we noticed many many little orange flowers which are absolutely fascinating. I found a picture of that flower in your website for Wildflower Days 2005 in the to... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Propagation of Indian Paintbrush March 28, 2005 I have tried for years to propagate Indian Paintbrush and have had no luck-started inside or outside in the fall down't seem to matter. What can I do to get them to grow? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| More on bluebonnets March 28, 2005 I am flying a photographer in on April 7, 2005, for a special art project on Bluebonnets. We have 3 days set aside for the shot. Where are THE best places to capture Bluebonnets in the wild? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets March 23, 2005 When (month and week) do you think the "peak of bluebonnet blooming" will be this year in the Austin, Fredericksbug, and Llano, Texas area? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets March 02, 2005 There are several different species of bluebonnets that grow in Texas. Which one is the official state flower? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets March 02, 2005 Where can I find seeds for maroon bluebonnets? I understand that Texas A&M has developed cultivars for this plant in as many as four colors. I haven't been able to find a source for them. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets February 17, 2005 We live on a farm and have recently had a cow that was deathly sick, then finally got better. We also had a couple of calving problems with the cows. I was reading about how toxic tailcup lupine is to... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Peak times for viewing wildflowers in Texas January 25, 2005 We are planning a trip to Texas to see wildflowers this spring. I have time off March 17-25. Would you expect to see much in bloom then? What area might be the best to visit? Does anyone put reports o... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Visiting Texas for bluebonnets December 29, 2004 I know rainfall amounts in the winter affect the blooming of bluebonnets in the spring. I am thinking about visiting Texas this spring. What should I be looking for in rainfall amounts? I will watch... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets November 29, 2004 We would like to know if the bluebonnet wildflowers are suitable for New Orleans and, if so, which months should they be seeded. Otherwise what can you suggest for our humid climate. We like blue, lav... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets August 26, 2004 This year's strange summer weather has lead to a very unusual event. I have a second bloom on my Bluebonnet garden. I first noticed the blooms last week, and contacted my local nursery to confirm the... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Smarty Plants on showiest time for wildflower blooming August 22, 2004 I have been to Austin a few times, but never during wildflower season. Can you suggest to me what would be the ideal time to come? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets July 28, 2004 My bluebonnets are still blooming out of season! What is the general season for bluebonnets to grow? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | | |
| More on bluebonnets June 22, 2004 When do the bluebonnets bloom in the Austin - San Antonio, Texas area? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets March 22, 2004 My Bluebonnets have taken over my flowerbed. Are there plants that can be planted along with Bluebonnets in a flowerbed? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Mowing Bluebonnets March 20, 2004 When is it safe to mow Bluebonnets? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Bluebonnets and Texas March 20, 2004 Can I plant Bluebonnets outside of Texas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | | |
| White Bluebonnets March 15, 2004 Are white Bluebonnets rare? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Visit Texas to see the Bluebonnets March 14, 2004 When is a good time to visit Texas to see the Bluebonnets? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Bluebonnets and the law March 14, 2004 Is it illegal to pick Bluebonnets? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | | |
| Baby Butts in Bluebonnets March 14, 2004 Do photo sessions in the Bluebonnet patch cause harm to the plants? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | | |
| Strangling Bluebonnets March 14, 2004 I have some Bluebonnets that are being strangled by some strange rope-like plant. What’s going on here? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Illegal to pick wildflowers March 14, 2004 Is it illegal to pick wildflowers? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets May 09, 2003 When can I harvest my Bluebonnets? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Wildflower driving tours April 07, 2003 Where can I learn about wildflower driving tours in the hill country area? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets March 10, 2003 Clover has taken over and just about covered the Bluebonnets. Is there any way of removing the clover such as with fertilizer or something else? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| When the bluebonnets bloom January 31, 2003 Can you tell me when the bluebonnets are in bloom? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| More on bluebonnets January 22, 2003 Do you have a sense of a peak viewing time for Bluebonnets for this spring? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Best preparation time for wildflower garden for summer January 21, 2003 Is it too late in late Fall to prepare a wildflower garden for next spring/summer? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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