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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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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Thursday - October 22, 2009

From: Oak Hill, OH
Region: Midwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Replacing firs with smaller plants
Answered by: Anne Bossart

QUESTION:

I want to pull out old fir bushes and plant smaller plants in their place. What could I buy that would take little care in my area?

ANSWER:

In order to properly answer your question, we need more information.  What kind of firs are they?  How big are they?  Where are they planted ... sun, shade, wet or dry conditions?  Are they foundation plants or overgrown shrubs in a border? You also do not mention if it is imperative that they be evergreen.

By doing a Recommended Species search on our Native Plant Information Network you will be able to select the plants yourself.  A reputable nursery in your area would also be happy to assist you.  There are a few nurseries in Ohio who are Associates of the Wildflower Center and will be able to provide more appropriate plants for your project than the "Big Box" nurseries.

 

 

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