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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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Sunday - December 16, 2012

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Lighting for the Wildflower Center from Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Hello Mr Smarty, On a recent night trip to the Center, there was an oak that was beautifully lit for the holidays. It seemed to come from one ground light, but cast hundreds of glistening "stars" on the oak. We would love to re-create your holiday wonder at our home. What did you use to create this magical wonder??????? Thank you so much for your help!!!

ANSWER:

We are sorry we can't tell you that, and rather than delay your decorating, wanted to let you know. Mr. Smarty Plants Team members work mostly online and, even had we been onsite for the Luminations celebration, we would not necessarily have seen that particular oak, nor have any idea how the effect was accomplished. It may have been done by our Facilities people, or by an outside contractor. The Smarty Plants team mostly answers questions online about plants, and don't necessarily know what is going on at the Center.

 

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