Native Plants
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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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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| What to plant between patio flagstones in Austin, TX? May 16, 2011 I would like to plant something between my flagstones on the patio. Something that doesn't require a lot of water, low growing, and can stand a little to moderate traffic. It is in a shade to partly... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shaded Trellis Plants for Georgetown TX May 14, 2011 What native plants work well on a trellis that will be placed in an area that remains shaded most of the day? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for shaded area under pecan trees May 11, 2011 The east side of our Houston home has a 15 foot strip overhung with pecan trees. The shade by the start of summer is so dense that grass dies pretty quickly. I'd like to keep enough grass for the k... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Low water use tree to shade pond in Burnet TX May 10, 2011 I'm in need of some shade at a 1/2 acre pond, but I don't want a tree to consume so much water that it will lower the water level. During droughts the little pond needs all the water it can get. Som... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shade tree with non-aggressive roots for next to pool in The Woodlands TX April 26, 2011 Hi Mr. Smarty Plants. We live in Spring, TX and are looking for a full-sun shade tree to plant in a large planter (about 6'x6') next to our pool. We want the tree to provide shade for our full a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Year-round ground cover for sun/shade April 24, 2011 Looking for a native ground cover for shade and middle afternoon/evening sun. Would like it to cover all year. I planted aguga and it froze. I have two large beds (I used about 70 4in plants for ea... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Shade tree with no roots to interfere with patio in Lake City FL April 24, 2011 I have a 4x4 area surrounded by cement patio but would like a tree for shade that does not have roots that will mess up the slab. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Partial shade plants for underneath ash tree in Tarrant County, Texas April 20, 2011 I have a BIG Ash Tree in my front yard that blocks out most afternoon sun. I generally get morning and evening sun. I am looking for something to plant around the base of the tree so my yard doesn'... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Ornamental shade grasses for Dover AR April 16, 2011 Ornamental shade grasses for sandy soil or silt, part shade, or even vines. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Annabelle hydrangeas blossoms drooping to ground in Wilmette, IL April 10, 2011 I have a row of Annabelle Hydrangeas that become very heavy and droop over the entire width of the bed. I would like to know what I can use for support so that they will stand up and allow me to plan... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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