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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| topic | question | |
| Propagating mimosa from seed October 09, 2008 I have a seed pod from a Mimosa tree. What is the best way to start this beautiful tree from seed. Thank you! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Propagation of Texas madrone (Arbutus xalapensis) October 08, 2008 I have seeds from a madrone tree and would like to know if you have had success propagating a madrone and if so, could you give me some tips, because I hear it can be tricky. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Requirements to grow Lupinus albifrons October 07, 2008 What is required to grow Lupinus albifrons? Temp., soil mix, alkaline or acid, etc.? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Propagation of native Ohio buckeye from seed September 25, 2008 My granddaughter has collected "buck eyes"; can we plant them to start our own tree? If so, how do we go about it! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Follow-up on Viburnum dentatum question September 24, 2008 This is a follow up to an earlier question, posted Sept 20, about Viburnum dentatum shrubs. I'm not sure I understand your answer. If the person having trouble getting berries went out and bought a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Starting desert willow from seeds September 21, 2008 Is it better to sow or start desert willow seeds in pots? If sowing is effective, is fall or spring the best time to sow in the Canyon Lake area of Central Texas? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Propagation by seed of Texas Mountain Laurel September 20, 2008 I just harvested a grocery bag full of Texas Mountain Laurel seed pods. I want to cast them out in a field and wooded area near NW Austin. Is it best to leave the seeds in the pods or remove the pod... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Failure of Viburnum dentatum to produce berries in Maryland September 20, 2008 I planted several Viburnum dentatum shrubs in a hedgerow for my yard. Although I have some other viburnums in the yard, this shrub blooms profusely but does not ever produce berries. What can I do t... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Altering the flowering time of Phacelia tanacetifolia September 08, 2008 I have been using Phacelia tanacetifolia as a forage plant in a 1 acre and 6 acre enclosure to mass rear the Blue Orchard Bee,(BOB), Osmia lignaria for use as a managed pollinator of almonds in Califo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| No female, hence, no squash. September 07, 2008 This is not a wild flower but. My grandchildren left a squash outside in a corner of a flower bed. This spring it grew. There are only male flowers, many of them, but no female, hence, no squash. Why... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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