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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers Nan Hampton, Jimmy Mills and Barbara Medford to be the culpable and capable parties. Yet, others think staff members Damon Waitt, Joe Marcus and Philip Hawkins might 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

Ever wondered what the best flowers and plants are for your garden? Do you want to start a water garden but don't know how? Want to stop your neighbor from mowing your wildflowers? Help is just a click away! Search our extensive database of frequently asked questions - and their answers!

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Most recently answered

Browning leaves on Ilex vomitoria in Houston
July 02, 2009
Houston, we have a problem!!! I have a number of yaupon bushes that have been in my yard for years that have a large number of leaves turning a solid dark brown color. Any ideas of the cause? -- answer by Barbara Medford
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Looking for a source for Atlantic pigeonwings (Clitoria mariana)
July 02, 2009
I hope you can help me a little. I'm trying to find a way to get Clitoria mariana (Atlantic pigeonwings) in my garden, but can't find a seed source anywhere. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks... -- answer by Nan Hampton
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Why will my blazing stars not bloom in Syracuse New York?
July 02, 2009
I have two purple blazing star plants on the west side of my house, about 4 feet apart. They have bloomed the past two summers. This year, one is ready to bloom, but the other has no stalks that wil... -- answer by Jimmy Mills
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How can I eradicate Mexican Petunia from my garden in Vacaville CA?
July 02, 2009
Can you tell me the best way to eradicate the plant Ruellia, commonly known as Mexican Petunia, from my garden? -- answer by Jimmy Mills
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Where to find non-native Thymus praecox coccineus
July 02, 2009
Do you know where in Lansing, MI I could buy the Walk On Me plants? -- answer by Nan Hampton
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Removing poison ivy around live oak in Hockley TX
July 02, 2009
We have a large live oak in our backyard, estimated to be over 100 years old. I am working on clearing out the brush that is under the tree. Can I spray commercially available poison ivy killer in t... -- answer by Barbara Medford
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Problems with Eastern hemlock in Greenville SC
July 02, 2009
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I have a beautiful, young, 5 and a half foot tall Eastern Hemlock. I purchased and planted it two years ago in the fall. It has been doing very well all this spring. And ne... -- answer by Barbara Medford
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How to care for newly transplanted Live Oak.
July 02, 2009
I planted 3 B & B, 6" caliper live oaks in February and they lost most of their leaves during the normal time but when the new leaves grew back the amount of leaves were quite a bit less. I have th... -- answer by Joe Marcus
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