Native plant gardens—gardens created with wildlife indigenous to a specific region—are a great way to be more environmentally friendly. These gardens beautify the landscape while using less water and fewer pesticides. You can rebuild local ecosystems and habitats right in your yard! Here’s a guide on how to create a native plant garden of your own.
Your garden should be very specific to the part of Texas you live in. Texas is one of the most ecologically diverse states in the nation, so catering your garden to what plants are native to your home is crucial. You can find the ecoregion you reside in using this Texas Ecoregion Map.
Once you have an idea of the ecoregion you live in, you can find plants native to your area. The Native Plant Society of Texas has compiled a database of all plants indigenous to Texas that can be a useful tool in finding plants to include in your garden. The goal here is to nurture plants in their natural environments, so it’s important to make sure your garden maintains a cohesive habitat.
Many of these plants can be found at local plant shops and nurseries, so supporting local businesses is not only great for your community but also for the environment!
Once you’ve figured out exactly what you want to put in your garden, you need to set up their eventual home. Here are a few steps you need to take to ensure your garden is ready to house these native species:
When planting your garden, it is important to keep a few things in mind:
Now that you have your garden set up, the next step is maintaining it so it continues to be a habitat for wildlife and beautify your home. Here are some tips on how to keep your new native plant garden happy and lively.
For more resources on how to care for your new garden, check out The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for more in-depth information.
Now that you know how to create a native plant garden, you’re ready to add to Texas’ beautiful wildlife and nature. In doing so, you’ll be helping to protect habitats, save water, and beautify your home all at once!
