We are entering autumn, the Texas second spring, a time for planting and new growth. Do you want color now, vegetables in a few weeks, shade trees established before next summer, or butterflies and bluebonnets in spring?
Whatever the goal for your garden, this is the time to plant and focusing on native options means greater success.
What natives to plant now
For immediate color, consider planting native Texas flowers like Fall Aster, Mexican Mint Marigold, or Rock Rose.
If you are looking for privacy and color, native shrub varieties like Yaupon Holly, Texas Sage, and Wax Myrtle make perfect additions to flowerbeds and privacy borders.
And if you want to see a meadow of color filled with bees and butterflies in the spring, sow your wildflower seeds now.
How to sow wild seeds for spring booms
Whether reseeding an existing wildflower area or starting from scratch, the steps are quite simple.
- Locate a sunny plot, clear away existing vegetation and lightly thatch to give the seeds a place to take root.
- Then simply scatter the seeds and gently press them in, but do not completely cover them.
- Keep them watered, be patient and that is all you need to do.
Creating even a micro-meadow of wildflowers provides a habitat for so many endangered butterflies your effort will be well appreciated.
Where to get your native plants and seeds
And to make your native autumn planting even easier, visit the Wildflower Center Fridays through Sundays, from September 26th – October 26th for their annual Fall Native Plant Sale. You can see a wide selection of native perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees and experts on hand to help with your choices.
