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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

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 - July 31, 2012

From: Killeen, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Shrubs, Trees
Title: Plants dying in circular garden in Killeen, TX.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

I have a large circular garden in my backyard out in the country in Killeen Texas. Last year two elms died. This year the Rose of Sharon has been dying one by one. One bush will completely die off before the next bush shows any sign of distress. Ive lost about 8 big rose of sharon this year so far. A mulberry tree has also died in he circle. I went out this morning and my butterfly bush is failing fast. Any ideas on what this could be. I need to get it stopped before it kills everything.

ANSWER:

 

Plants die for various reasons; insects, fungi, watering problems, etc. Mr. Smarty Plants thinks that you need to have someone knowledgeable come and take a look at your circular garden. He suggests getting in touch with the folks at the Bell County office Texas AgriLife Extension for help locating such a person.

 

 
 

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