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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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Thursday - June 10, 2010

From: Cedar Hill, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Soils
Title: Best mulch from Cedar Hill TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

What is the best mulch to use around trees,azaleas and plants in Cedar Hill, Tx?

ANSWER:

If you want to plant azaleas and/or other acid-loving plants, we would suggest a pine bark or even pine needles for a mulch. Our personal preference for mulches is shredded hardwood bark. It seems to stay in place better, so you get a nice even effect of sheltering the roots of your plants from heat and cold. However, the hardwood mulches are more expensive than the pine mulches, so it's a judgment call for you.
 

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