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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| Cenizos browning in Houston October 01, 2011 After this horrible drought, I am committed to xeriscaping with native Texas plants. The few hibiscus that survived have been transplanted into pots and are thriving. I bid the tiny boxwoods a fond fa... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Need suggestions for plants for a bird/small wildlife refuge in Wichita Co, TX. August 26, 2011 With our continuing drought in North Texas, I'm planning to transform my small backyard into a bird/small wildlife "refuge". What types of native plants and grasses can I plant in dry, hot Wichita ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Drought affecting native trees from The Woodlands August 18, 2011 I've been trying to grow native trees in my yard for the past 3 years and I'm starting to question whether the amount of time required to spend watering them during the long hot season in Texas is r... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for small shady area with clay soil August 09, 2011 Many people have space between the sidewalk and the street in front of their homes. In that space in front of our house is a growing maple that provides a lot of shade. The space is very dry, with... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Low-maintenance native plants for Arizona March 12, 2009 Will you please suggest some Native plants that can be left without care for the summer and survive - other than cactus? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native plants for flowers in rocky area in Ohio March 07, 2008 We have just built 4 raised beds on a slope in our backyard on Scioto River. The site is an old quarry so rocky soil below our raised beds & gets full sun majority of day from about 11am-7pm summer ti... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Management of xeriscape garden and rock mulch December 09, 2007 I have a large xeriscape garden; unfortunately, it is located near some pear trees which drop tons of leaves each fall/winter. The garden is difficult to clean of leaves until I cut back the plants. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for xeriscaping in Georgia September 23, 2007 Please send info regarding plants for xeriscaping in middle Georgia zone 7b. Where to get booklets, etc. Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Recommendations for native plants for Dallas Co., TX May 12, 2007 Looking for a Recommendation: Can you suggest a plant that meets the following requirements? ENVIRONMENT -- - I live in Garland, in Dallas County, TX. - The soil is primarily clay. - Full sun... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Tired of mowing February 09, 2007 Please help, my husband got tired of mowing the lawn (bermuda grass) and recently decided to do a desert landscape by himself. Without researching, he mowed the dead grass and covered the whole area w... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Xeriscaping in clay on a slope in Fort Worth April 06, 2006 Xeriscaping in clay (Fort Worth) on a slope -- Please offer suggestions and publications. Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Drought-resistant plants for Grand Prairie, TX March 24, 2006 Can you tell me where I may obtain a list of drought-resistant plants for landscaping? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Flowering native plants for Arizona October 19, 2004 I was wondering if you could help me? We are moving from California to Arizona, and I was wondering if you can tell me some flowering plants, or any plants that will thrive in the hot Arizona tempera... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native plant landscaping March 14, 2004 How does native plant landscaping differ from xeriscaping? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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