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Plants that are native to Texas are many and invaluable to the home gardener. Native wild-flowers, shrubs and trees are good choices because they have aesthetic, economic and sustainability advantages. For example, regional natives are hardy in Texas soils and weather conditions, generally need less water and fertilizer and tend to be more disease and pest resistant in their natural habitat.
It's always a good first step to have a soil test to determine if there are any amendments necessary for your chosen plants. Pick plants according to size and light requirements. Be sure to leave enough space to accommodate a plant at its mature size. You can make a rough drawing of your garden plan to make the planting process more organized. When picking plants, chose varieties that will bloom at different times, keeping in mind visual interest as well as color and texture. Native grasses are a good idea as they can keep your garden interesting during the winter months. You can get lists and descriptions of Texas natives on the internet or at your local library.
One might think about drawing birds, butterflies and other wild life into your garden. American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) offers food and shelter for birds. Wildflowers such as Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and Coneflowers (Echinacea) will attract butterflies. Hummingbirds love Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea) and Standing Cypress (Ipomopsis rubra), to name a few.
Once you've done your planning and planting, sit back and enjoy your native garden habitat.
Janet Cacho, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service