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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| Privacy Hedge Suggestions for Tampa, Florida May 15, 2014 My back wall is made of stone and is about 6' high. We are very close to a busy road. I need a plant that will reach about 7-8 feet high or a hedge to reduce some of the noise. What plant/hedge would... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Need a native, evergreen shrub to replace Pittosporum in Austin, TX May 13, 2014 We've had a PITTOSPORUM for years as a foundation planting on the southwest corner of our central Austin home. Now that it's gone, I would like to replace with a native, non-invasive shrub. What are... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Muhlenbergia dumosa safe for horses from Austin May 13, 2014 Is Muhlenbergia dumosa safe for horses? Will horses eat it? I have a client who has a mini-horse who visits her property on occasion, and I want to ensure that what I plant is both safe for the hors... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Webs on limbs of evergreen sumac from Austin May 13, 2014 We have a mature Evergreen Sumac (Rhus virens) that has spider webs on the end of some limbs. The end of the those limbs have died although new growth is coming on further up the limb. We live in th... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Erosion Control for a Shaded Slope in Aliquippa PA May 07, 2014 What plants. shrubs or trees can I plant to retard soil erosion on a steep shaded hillside in PA View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Chlorotic Texas Mountain Laurel in Benson, Arizona May 04, 2014 I've planted a Texas Mountain Laurel in heavy clay soil in Arizona. It's been in place for 3 years and flowers each spring. However it's leaves are a shade of medium, yellowish green nothing like t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Evergreen vine for wall and long-blooming shrubs in San Antonio TX May 04, 2014 What is a good native vine that stays green all year to plant along a rock courtyard wall? Also what are native bushes that flower for the longest period of time? Thanks. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plants for farm animals from East Greenwich RI May 03, 2014 What type of perennial flowers and shrubs are safe to plant around farm animals (dogs, horses, chickens, turkeys) in New England climate? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shade tolerant plants for erosion from Austin May 03, 2014 I live in Austin and my house backs up to Shoal Creek. I am looking for a native creeping vine or something that will grow on the shaded bank to help prevent erosion. It should be able to tolerate the... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Roses for Austin soil May 01, 2014 What roses would work in the soil near Lake Austin Spa? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
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