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.
Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
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.
Search Smarty Plants
| topic | question | |
| Fast-growing shade tree for Central Texas July 04, 2009 What is the best fastest growing shade tree for central Texas? Thanks View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Planting shade plants in 100+ weather June 25, 2009 I was planning on planting some columbines in a barrel and Turk's Cap and Coralberry in my yard, but hadn't counted on the extreme heat this early in the summer. Is it okay to plant these things as... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Ivy for shady wall in New York June 25, 2009 I live in Melville, New York. The house is adjacent to the Long Island Expressway and there is a cement sound barrier wall about 25 feet high that runs along the backyard of my 1 acre property. I ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shade groundcover under Magnolia in Austin, Texas June 25, 2009 I have a 50' Magnolia grandiflora casting full shade underneath with very shallow and some exposed roots. I have Horseherb (calyptocarpus vialis)in the area and have been encouraging it to spread und... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native ground cover for part shade in Dowagiac MI June 24, 2009 Maybe I'm just too picky. I'm trying to make an area that is some what triangular shaped between my house and garage with a tall lattice/privacy fence on one side and walks in the back yard area on... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Hardy plant with minimal care for shade in dry soil June 22, 2009 I have a weekend house in Hawley, PA where I try to garden - often with poor results. There is a spot on the northeast corner of my foundation where I have put plant after plant - but none of them su... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for a shady garden in Wisconsin June 22, 2009 I have a shady garden in southeastern Wisconsin (Milwaukee) and am interested in introducing more native plants of all sizes and heights, hopefully with lovely flowers. I would love to know what you ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wildflowers for a shady yard in Orange City, FL June 21, 2009 Hello, I am trying to plant wildflowers in my tree-shaded backyard that will not only kill the existing grass, but will also withstand the winter freezes in central Florida. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Shade plants for a childrens garden in Magnolia, TX June 21, 2009 What shade plants would be good to plant in a Children's garden at a learning center? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Edible plants in shade in Enville TN June 15, 2009 I have a flower bed against the back of my house with nothing in it. We moved into this house late last year and I was planning on planting some tomato plants there until I discovered it never gets an... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| topic | question | |