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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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Search Smarty Plants
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Pruning Wax Myrtle trees & bushes February 28, 2016 When is the best time of year to prune Wax Myrtle trees & bushes. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Preventing Oak Galls February 22, 2016 How do you prevent live oak galls? Do you have a solution? Many of our live oaks are infested with them. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Two Holly Cultivars for a Texas Front Landscape? February 22, 2016 We are starting a new with our landscape. All existing 30-year-old plants are going to be removed. We would like a focal point at the front door area and are considering 'Savannah' or 'Nellie R. St... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Questions about Catalpa bignonioides February 21, 2016 We have a yard that is about 3/4 of an acre, and we have gotten rid of about 3/4 of the lawn and replaced it with native plantings. I am looking for a native tree to replace a tree that we had to rem... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Spacing for Dogwoods and Cotoneasters February 21, 2016 How close should Dogwoods and Cotoneasters be to bricks? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Fertilizing Newly Planted Trees February 07, 2016 Back in November, I planted 20 trees on rocky, caliche slopes around my house outside of Utopia, Texas. The trees were 45 gallon Monterrey Oaks and Texas Redbuds. I have also installed a drip irriga... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Replanting a Desert Willow February 07, 2016 My desert willow was damaged badly in a winter storm and had to be taken down. Do I need to remove the old root system below grade when I plant a new desert willow? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
Repairing Damage to Oak Tree Bark February 02, 2016 I have destructive horses who have torn a lot of the bark off of my oak trees. I've moved the horses from that area, but is there something I can put on the places where the bark is missing so the tr... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
What are the cone shaped evergreens around Pilot Point, TX? January 26, 2016 What are the cone shaped evergreens around Pilot Point, Texas called? They are dark green with spiky leaves and rough bark. I have a row planted as a windscreen and want to transplant a couple from a ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
How Close to Tree Trunks Should Bricks be Placed? January 26, 2016 Do you have guidelines as to how close bricks can be placed to trees, particularly cypress, cedars and live oaks? Contractors habitually plant up to the trunk and I've had trees die from their roots... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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