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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| Low Ground Cover for Steep, Shaded PA Site February 17, 2014 I am located in Downingtown, PA, right on the border between Zone 6 and 7. Please provide a recommendation of a native ground cover for the following conditions: steep slope (greater than 45%), full s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Hardy plants for Oklahoma raised garden at Oklahoma school February 12, 2014 I am planting a raised flower bed with fifth graders. It will have a little shade in the morning and evening possibly. What plants are durable and can withstand OK summer heat. We will be planting ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Native turf grass for acreage in Denison TX January 27, 2014 I have recently moved to Denison TX where we have 5+ acres of true crosstimbers land. I am looking for a native turf grass that will do well in sandy soil and with the water provided by nature. The m... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Cenizo for border of school garden from Cedar Park TX January 27, 2014 Hi. We're starting a school garden in Central Texas, and instead of building a fence along one side, we'd like to plant a hedge. Ideally, it would grow tall enough to deter deer from jumping over, b... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Low evergreen drought-resistant shrubs for area in partial shade January 03, 2014 I promised my mom to help her with some new plants for her house, so here goes. She lives near Waco on Blackland clay soil. The problem area is right in front of the house. It only receives a few hour... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| A Bounty of Edibles for New Braunfels Texas October 25, 2013 I was hoping you could suggest a few plants that would serve several purposes. I live in New Braunfels, TX and would like to incorporate as many drought tolerant plants which would support birds, but... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Native Trees for Pflugerville TX September 28, 2013 I'm looking for suggestions on native, drought tolerant conifers that can be located in a Pflugerville landscape under overhead electric lines. Open to Arizona Cypress, but concerned about the height... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Water-wise plants for clay soil in southern California September 26, 2013 My yard is clay. I'm removing turf to put in water-wise plants and bushes. I need some low growing bushes and medium height bushes that will grow in clay and that will stay green in the summer. Hopef... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Five-eight foot hedge for north Texas September 06, 2013 I am looking to find a fairly large (preferably flowering) shrub / hedge to go along 100 feet of fence. The plants will be facing Northeast, but will be for the most part under the branches of crape m... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Fast-growing drought-resistant hedge for California September 03, 2013 We're looking for a fast growing, drought resistant shrub that will grow in clay soil and can be used for a hedge around our property. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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