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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Need fast growing deciduous trees for Austin, TX February 14, 2015 We'd like to plant several fast growing deciduous trees in a full sun yard with a hard alkaline soil in the western edge of Travis Heights in South Austin. I've noted several locations in our neighb... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Planting wildflowers and ryegrass in RIverside AL February 07, 2015 Love the name, enjoyed a visit last spring. We repaired a retaining wall about 300 ft. and want to plant wildflowers on a strip 5 ft wide. Slope gentle to 1 in 3.5. Hauled in topsoil for fill. Can ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Will Bittersweet climb on a streetlight pole? February 05, 2015 Will Bittersweet climb on a streetlight pole, or does it need to be with a tree? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Fast-growing vines for the Texas Hill Country January 17, 2015 What are the best fast-growing vines for our Hill Country location? The vine will be growing on a stucco wall, so we don't want the vine to grow into the stucco and destroy it. Location has morning ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
large tree suited for limestone site in Austin, TX January 15, 2015 I have a dying Chinaberry tree [35 ' tall; WNW corner of lot; at least 25 years old] that I am having removed. What native / adapted tree would you recommend to fill that void. I do understand that... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
plants for a rain garden's moist area in Central Texas January 15, 2015 I am looking for local natives to plant in the wet portion of a rain garden/bioswale. Can you help, please? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
wildflowers with interesting seed heads for winter interest January 09, 2015 I am looking to establish a wildflower meadow this year, and I want to include wildflowers that have interesting seed heads for winter interest. What would be your recommendation? Thanks! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Converting a Texas backyard to grow Xerophytic native plants January 09, 2015 I am planning the conversion of our backyard, about 4000 sq ft of largely St Augustine, into a grassless landscape of hardscaping and native plants. I’ve been an avid gardener of rock garden plants i... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Plants for a moist, wooded area in North Carolina December 06, 2014 I am looking to plant some native flowers in a wooded area in Surry County NC. The chosen location is fully shaded beside a creek. The water table typically sets about 2 feet below the surface of th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Will Sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri thrive in caliche soil? December 02, 2014 I live on a high hill in the Hamilton Pool area outside of Austin. I am looking to plant a Dasylirion wheeleri that I grew from seed collected in New Mexico aria East Of Soccoro. I am wondering if the... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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