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.
Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
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.
Search Smarty Plants
| topic | question | |
| What hydrangeas can be grown in Austin? June 02, 2011 I was told that oak leaf hydrangea was the only hydrangea variety that could be successfully grown in Austin TX. My oakleaf hydrangea is doing great and I would like to plant other varieties. Can you... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plants for red clay in Hattiesburg, MS May 16, 2011 Looking for plants and flowers to plant in red clay? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Will wood shavings in the soil require nitrogen from Charleston MO May 04, 2011 I cut down a big maple tree and a lot of the wood shavings was left in the soil. I planted a flower bed over the area this spring. I later read that the wood chips in the soil would use a lot of nitro... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Gardening advice for Quebec April 15, 2011 I live in Aylmer Quebec 1. I bought some lily bulbs at a Christmas bazaar. When can I plant them and what do I put in the hole with the bulbs? 2. I bought a little potted cedar at COSTCO for a Ch... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| What will grow in red clay in Conroe TX? April 10, 2011 We just built a new home and the foundation was poured on red clay which is what my flowerbed area is in. Could you please tell me what can be planted that will grow. I am looking for ground cover, fl... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Ground cover for sun in Phenix City, AL April 04, 2011 I live in Phenix City, AL and am new to planting. I have a 60 x 15 feet slope that is just dirt. I am going to till it next week and want to plant some various ground cover plants (that will grow to c... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Smaller trees for limited space in yard in Austin March 29, 2011 Follow up to "I have a choice of three shade trees from the city of Austin. They are Live Oak, Elm, Cedar. Although I am happy to have a free tree, I think the choices are not the best for my home. I... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Various holly hybrids or selections for Pflugerville TX March 24, 2011 I love Savannah Hollies. I used them all the time in the Dallas area. Now that I have moved to Austin, I am wondering if I can plant them in this area. I have a soil pH of 7 and drainage is moderate. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Using non-native Red-Tip Photinia as a mulch from Pittsburg TX March 23, 2011 Wondering if its ok to use Red Tip Phontinia as a mulch? thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Existing live oak taking over in Monahans TX March 22, 2011 I have just purchased a home with a huge Live Oak tree in the front yard. The previous owners have over the years allowed the sucker roots to grow unchecked. The tree is shading most of the lawn (di... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| topic | question | |