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
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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Saturday - August 08, 2009
From: Buda, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Watering trees and shrubs in Buda TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Should we be watering our green ash, red tips, chinkapin, burr oaks and yaupon shrubs during the drought? They are all starting to brown and drop leaves. THANKS!ANSWER:
Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes. Not even drought resistant plants with good soil are able to withstand this extreme heat and drought we have had in Central Texas for most of the last two years. The larger trees should have their root areas (which may extend well beyond the dripline of the tree) sprinkled every two weeks or so, a good thorough sprinkling. Shrubs can have a hose stuck down in the dirt and a slow dribble allowed to run for an hour or so about once a week. Mulch on the shrub roots will also help keep the roots cool and hold moisture in.More Shrubs Questions
Problems with rock rose in Austin
June 10, 2013 - Hi Mr Smarty Pants,
We have a Texas Rock Rose which is growing next to our gravel path in Austin, with grass growing under it. In the last week, it has stopped blooming suddenly, and all the leaves h...
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Stem canker or leaf fungus in Morella cerifera
June 14, 2007 - Dear Mr.Smarty Pants:
The upper half of our wax myrtle, which we had allowed (with artful pruning) to reach about ten feet suddenly died this spring (it dropped most of its leaves and didn't sprout...
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Shrubs and ground covers for slope in Southern California
March 13, 2010 - Need suggestions for shrubs & ground covers for a west facing, 45 degree angle, sunny slope with compacted, poor draining soil. We live 2-3 miles from the ocean. Thank you.
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Request for seeds or cuttings for Malvaceae from French Botanical Garden
September 03, 2011 - hello
We create a botanical garden devoted to the Malvaceae, can you help us by sending us seeds or cuttings?
friendly
the director
jean-marie Jolicard
botanical garden
beaulieu
23170 Lépaud
F...
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Shrub or tree for large pot in Austin
May 18, 2010 - I have a front-door entryway that faces east, what 3-4 foot shrub/tree would best survive in a large pot? Thanks!
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