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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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Tuesday - June 15, 2010

From: Altoona, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Privacy Screening, Shrubs, Trees
Title: White flowers to plant in front of evergreen tree screen in Altoona PA
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I have planted about 30 evergreen trees (as a screen). I would like to plant a row of low maintenance whitish flowering bushes or low maintenance large flowering plants in front of this row. Any suggestions?

ANSWER:

Yes, don't waste your time and money. You didn't say what evergreen, so we don't know how big it will get, but if you intended a screen, probably pretty big. Please read this Mr. Smarty Plants previous answer about someone who planted a flower garden in the midst of evergreen trees planted for screening, and the consequences. We suggest that you research the trees that you have planted and their expected root spread. If you wish, you can send us this information, or at least the name of the tree and whether it is going to cast a lot of shade on the area you want flowers. With more information, perhaps we can help you. Most plants that flower well need quite a bit of sun, and they certainly need space in the ground for their roots.
 

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