Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Thursday - May 19, 2005
From: Longmeadow, MA
Region: Northeast
Topic: Wildflower Center
Title: Plants available for viewing in Wildflower Center in October
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
We are thinking of bringing a group to visit the Wildflower Center during the weekend of my son's wedding in Austin in early October. Will there be much to see at the garden at that time of year?ANSWER:
There should plenty to see in the gardens in early October.The fall sunflowers, such as, Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) should be in bloom. Also, the fall asters, such as Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides var. ericoides) and Wild Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) should be abundant. Gayfeather (Liatris mucronata), Lantana (Lantana urticoides) and Rose Mallow (Pavonia lasiopetala) should all be in bloom. Many fall grasses, such as, Gulf Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris) and Purple Three-awn (Aristida purpurea) will also be in bloom.
The abundance of blooms and the variety, of course, will depend on the summer and early fall rains and weather. We hope to see you at the Wildflower Center in October.
More Wildflower Center Questions
Official definition of native plants
March 06, 2008 - Does the Wildflower center have an official definition of "native" plants?
view the full question and answer
The flower on the Plant Price page of Wildflower Center website
June 04, 2009 - What is the name of the flower that is on the Plant Price page of the Center's web site? I saw it for the first time this spring near Weatherford. It's red/orange & white and resembles a snapdrago...
view the full question and answer
Potting soil used in Wildflower Center nursery
October 23, 2008 - I recently purchased several beautiful little plants at your Fall plant sale and notice how very happy and healthy they all are! Please tell me if you mix your own potting soil and what your potting ...
view the full question and answer
Native plants for pots for wedding in November
October 03, 2006 - Will any of the plants that are in your big plant sale be flowering in November? I am looking for plants that would do well in pots because I'd like to use them as center pieces at a wedding (in Aus...
view the full question and answer
Where can one learn about gardening with native plants
August 20, 2007 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
Where can I go to learn more about gardening with native plants?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |