Gardens and Gardening

Texas prairie habitat is vanishing, but a nonprofit aims to restore it through the Pollinators and Prairies program. The initiative combines outreach, restoration, research, and partnerships, encouraging Texans to plant native flora and support pollinator research, aiding in reversing wildlife and habitat decline.

Wild Ones DFW, a new native plant group in North Texas, held a meet and greet at the Flower Mound Library. Led by Kristina Dunn, this group focuses on advocating for native plants and is the only Wild Ones chapter in Texas. They aim to collaborate, not compete, with the Native Plant Society of Texas. Dunn hopes to expand to other Texas regions due to ecological diversity.

North Texas faces prairie loss due to rapid development as the population is expected to double by 2050. The Native Prairies Association of Texas launched the North Texas Prairie Initiative to conserve 2,000 acres within four years, emphasizing prairie benefits like flood protection and clean water.

Now is the time to sow wildflower seeds in Texas, as the season runs from September to mid-November. Wildflowers need winter weather to germinate for spring blooms. I advocate for native plants and prairie restoration, and sow seeds to support wildlife, with resources available from Native American Seed and Wildseed Farms.

The Native Plant Society of Texas annually honors entities advancing its mission. This year’s awardees include Amy Martin, Cecil Carter, Kim Conrow, Betsy Farris, Kyle Cowart, Barney Lipscomb, and Lingleville ISD PTO. These individuals are recognized for contributions to conservation, research, and education in Texas native plants.

Every spring, hummingbirds migrate to Texas and stay during summer. Ornithologist Cliff Shackelford explains Texas hosts around 20 species, with the ruby-throated hummingbird being most common. Attract hummingbirds by planting native flowers and avoiding chemicals. Supplement with sugar water feeders sans red dye. Overall, most hummingbirds are stable despite general bird declines.

In Flower Mound, conservation efforts focus on preserving native plants and ecosystems. The town's Environmental Services Department promotes eco-friendly gardening, while educational programs and videos foster community engagement. Significant sites include a historic flower mound and a pollinator garden, demonstrating a commitment to balancing development and environmental preservation.

New sidewalks and traffic signals are planned to improve access to Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Starting June 2026, the city will enhance University Drive with traffic signals, bus pads, and walking trails, addressing safety and accessibility concerns. This project, part of a larger street expansion, aims to make the garden more accessible.

Rooted In, a nursery in Pilot Point founded by sustainability experts Daniel Cunningham and Clint Wolfe, offers heat, drought, and cold-tolerant plants. With 40 years of experience, they prioritize eco-friendly gardening and hold workshops. Their specialties include native grasses and water-wise plants, fostering community and sutainable landscaping.

A one-acre garden at a former Texas coal mine has produced 10,000 pounds of produce for six food pantries, supporting 2,000 people monthly. Managed by Texan by Nature, the garden exemplifies land restoration efforts on the 35,000-acre Jewett mine, emphasizing community collaboration and environmental reclamation.