Gardening

David Hopman talks about landscapes.

Tandy Hills Natural Area and Stella Rowan Prairies have always been prairie, but they haven't always been protected.

How did they become protected? Someone took notice and the process was set in motion. We need people (anyone) to be our eyes. Yes, that's right, the prairie needs YOU to notice it! It doesn't matter if you don't know the difference between Johnson grass and Bluestem grass, we still need you.

The Native Prairies Association has been mapping prairies statewide and our chapter needs help with tagging the Fort Worth area. Once a prairie remnant is identified, an effort can be made to save it from development or to introduce the owner to conservation options in conjunction with development. Our area is being developed at an alarming rate and knowing what we have will give us an advocacy starting point for treasures yet to be discovered. 

If you can't join us, you can still help by looking for prairies (the land may be public or private). Report locations to our website: www.fortworthnpat.wordpress.com or by email: fwnpat@gmail.com 

Visit to Elbert's Garden and Greenhouse. Presenter: Elbert Seal.

Program for May is on invasive plants.

Info:  kayleetl@sbcglobal.net

Meetings are held on the fourth Sunday each month, except for November and December.

Social and snacks @ 6:30 pm, educational lecture @ 7 pm.

Eric Reed will lead a tour of Beck’s Creek Blackland Prairie & Springs. Beck’s Creek Prairie is a 13.6 acre property north of Springbranch Drive adjacent to Woods Park, both near the Telecom Parkway in Plano. The prairie’s future, so far, is slated to become a residential subdivision. Several neighbors and environmentalists are trying to change that. Come see what’s in bloom this spring and hear the ongoing work to preserve this jewel. See website link for map.

Info: Leigh Ann Ellis, laellis55@aol.com or 214-321-7159

The family-friendly, annual festival of arts and crafts features flight demonstrations of majestic wild birds and live music from Texas musicians. Families will learn about hardy Texas native plants that grow on the prairie. Children will learn how to build a bug house or paint using leaves, and everyone will learn about the cultural and natural history that defines our region through activities and games for the whole family. 

Schedule of Entertainment

Birds of Prey Presentation...9:30am

Prairie Nature Walk...10am

Live Encounters with Native Snakes...10:30am

BRIT Tour...11:30am

Raffle & Announcements...Noon

Featuring The Prophets and Outlaws – A Southern Rock Band with Soul!...11am - 1pm

In honor of our armed forces, there will be flags and patriotic music in the Dallas Arboretum gardens along with free admission all four days for all active duty members and veterans of the United States military and first responders with valid photo ID.

The Fort Worth Cactus and Succulent Society's 32nd Annual Spring Show and Sale will be held May 8-10 in the Macy's Court during regular mall hours. There will thousands of plants for sale from multiple vendors, including rare and unusual cacti and succulents. Plus members can answer questions about growing cacti.

Friday: 10am-9pm 

Saturday: 10am-9pm 

Sunday: Noon-6pm 

Info: FWCactus@gmail.com

Water slower, deeper and more efficient with every drop. Convert your spray heads and watch your sprinkler system save you money from our hands on drip conversion class. You will learn how to install drip irrigation tubing from your faucet or how to convert an existing zone to drip. Drip irrigation is the most efficient irrigation method and essential to sustainable landscapes. Drip irrigation for foundation watering will also be covered.

Make a reservation Space is limited. Register online at SaveDallasWater.com or by calling 214-670-3155.

Workshop sponsored by city of Dallas Water Conservation and Texas A&M AgriLife Research.