Native Plants
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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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Smarty Plants Question Topics
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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| Low maintenance, shade tolerant groundcover for Pacific Northwest August 09, 2012 What's a good low maintenance, shade tolerant ground cover for the Pacific Northwest? It needs to have good erosion control, too. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Native violets under maples from Gettysburg PA July 06, 2012 Just for your info (no need to post or reply), I saw an old post of a question of something to grow under maples. In central PA, native violets grow very well under several species of maples in lawns... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| A privacy hedge for a shady spot in Austin, TX July 02, 2012 What is a good choice for a privacy hedge in west Austin in a predominantly shady area? I'd like it to be 8-12 feet, along the fence, so as to obstruct the view of the neighbor's yard. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Evergreens for privacy in VA June 24, 2012 I need fast growing evergreens or large shrubs, flowering or non-flowering, for privacy. They will need to flourish among large oak and hickory trees that are 75 plus years old. We don't want to dama... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Drought-tolerant plants for deep shade in Florida June 23, 2012 I am looking for indigenous, drought tolerant, leafy dense plants (kind of hosta like) that will grow in deep shade (under a tree that gets little sun) in Jacksonville, Florida. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Ground cover under live oaks June 18, 2012 I have some areas under Live Oak trees (maybe 200 sq. ft.)that remain bare, in spite of trying Habiturf. Soil is dry, poor and shallow. Can you suggest a living ground cover that would not require m... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plants for Shady Clay soil in Illinois June 18, 2012 Could you recommoned native plants for clay soil and shade near Chicago? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Decorative Trees for Scenic Bench in Fairhope IL June 10, 2012 I am looking for a recommendation for a pair of small trees (does not grow taller than 18-20 feet) that can provide shade on either side of a stone bench. The site is in full sun, western exposure an... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Ground cover for shade from Atlanta GA May 28, 2012 I am looking for recommendations for a ground cover. I live in the Atlanta, Georgia area and have a large shady slope on which I would like to use low maintenance/water native ground cover. What wou... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Trees for shade in Austin May 20, 2012 I live in Austin and I am looking for a good tree to plant under a large live oak I have in my backyard. Something slow-growing of course and, the garden only gets late day sun for about an hour. Filt... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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