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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| Sun and shade landscaping in Coppell TX April 03, 2011 My two-story home in Coppell Texas faces north. The houses are ten feet apart. The sun leaves the front yard late-0ctober/early-November. It is March 24 and the beds are still in house shade. In s... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| North-central Texas shrubs for part-shade March 30, 2011 I need a shrub that will be OK in shade (2-3 hrs a day max.), in fairly well-drained soil, will grow to around 8 ft. tall and 4-6 wide, for the region between Denton and Gainesville. If it flowers, al... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Choice of shade trees from the City of Austin March 29, 2011 I have a choice of three shade trees from the city of Austin. They are Live Oak, Elm, Cedar. Although I am happy to have a free tree, I think the choices are not the best for my home. I have a small ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shade trees for NC March 22, 2011 What fast growing non invasive tree would be good to plant in a sub-division that could possibly shade my 2 story house? I would like it to have a tap root system so that it is strong in windy condit... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Deer resistant, drought and shade tolerant plants to go under oak tree in Austin March 21, 2011 What is the best deer resistant, drought resistant native plant to grow under my huge Oak tree? Grass does not grow. Will iris bloom? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Container plants for shade in Austin March 15, 2011 I reside in 78739. Just moving here from So Cal (where all plants are perennials), I'm looking to create a good "Shade loving" Container for near my front door. I'm looking at 'Summer Wave' Wi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native Shade Tree for Central Texas February 26, 2011 My parents are buried in Round Mountain Cemetery close to Marble Falls, TX. Can you recommend a tree or shrub we can plant to shade their graves? We need something that can survive and grow in the h... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflowers for a shady spot in IL February 26, 2011 I have a low-sun spot on the side of my house in Chicago, IL. I would really like to turn this spot into a wildflower garden. Could you suggest some native IL flowers that might work in this spot? ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wet & Shade in South Austin February 19, 2011 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants - I live in south Austin (S. of Ben White) in a new development. Our houses are fairly close together, so there's little sun between them. The issue is that when it does rain, ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shade-loving Grass for the Houston area February 09, 2011 I have an ash tree that completely shades the majority of our front yard and is not allowing the St. Augustine grass to grow. Is there a shade-loving grass good for the Houston area? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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