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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| Controlling pumpkin vine in British Columbia July 15, 2008 I have never grown pumpkins before but decided to try one plant this year. It seems to be taking over my small garden space. Can I prune it back? I only want one or two pumpkins for my grandchildre... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Vines for side of home July 14, 2008 Can you suggest a native vine for Central Maryland? The intent is for the vine to grow up the southern face of a vinyl sided home to make the home more attractive but also to provide some reduction o... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants to cover rock wall in Pennsylvania July 10, 2008 Please recommend plants that I could use to plant on the (full sun) slightly sloped ground space above a 3 foot high, 20 foot long unattractive stone wall that would grow over and down to cover the wa... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Identification of prickly vine in north Texas July 07, 2008 While trimming the shrubs around my suburban house I noticed (and my legs were torn up by!) a vine-like plant with small green serrated leaves and millions of small, very sharp thorns. I search Invasi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Invasive vines in azaleas in South Carolina July 07, 2008 I have saw briars and wild jasmine, and cow itch vine that has invaded my azaleas, and would like your input on how to get rid of them without completely destroying my azaleas. Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plants for wall with afternoon sun in Oregon July 03, 2008 Portland, Or. We have a stacked cement wall about 30 feet long that receives afternoon sun from the west. we would like to plant something edible along that wall that can tolerate afternoon sun. G... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Regenerating old cross-vines in Richardson, TX June 26, 2008 I have been asked to landscape a memorial garden at church. The garden is small and has a 10x 15-foot brick wall around the back in a c-shape in full sun. Planted on the wall are several very overgro... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-blooming wisteria in Oklahoma June 24, 2008 I have a wisteria bush that doesn't bloom. It's two years old. What should I do? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Vine for a trellis in Illinois June 21, 2008 I live in Nortrhern Illinois and am trying to keep my garden as native as possible. I would like to grow something on a trellis in part sun. It looks like a regional clematis is a possibility, but d... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| California native vine June 21, 2008 Hello, I am looking for a california native vine that can "cover" a wrought iron fence. I would like a vine that does not require too much care and can handle a fair amount of sun exposure. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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