As Spring arrives, consider adding native plants to new gardens
As spring arrives in Central Texas, gardeners are ready to plant some lovely new flowers whether they are new editions to the garden or replacements for plants that did not survive the winter. Considering the challenges of our heavy clay or rocky soils and the need to conserve our precious water, natives are the way to go.
A native plant is one that has evolved in a region and grown naturally without human intervention. There are several advantages that these plants have over non-natives. They are accustomed to the soil texture and composition in our area, to the heat and drought we experience, and provide food and shelter for wildlife indigenous to our area. As a result of these characteristics, they require less water, fewer if any soil amendments, and no chemical pest or disease treatment. There are many perennials native to the Edwards Plateau and/or the Blackland Prairie (our part of Texas) which are beautiful and come with all these advantages, but here are a few of my favorites.
