Herself’s Houston Garden

I attended a talk given by Greg Grant of the Piney Woods Nursery. This is a summery of what I heard. If it catches your imagination you should let him know and find out more about what he is hoping to do.

Texas is a unique state in that its size gives it a multitude of micro climates. Rainfall across the state ranges from 6″/year to 60″/year. We have desert, tropical, forests and bayous that all come together to form a unique patchwork not found anywhere else.

Over time we have paved and polluted this unique area driving many of the local critters and plants to extinction. Much of the extinction is due to lost habitats like those of the once common bald cypress swamps.

As gardeners we listen to the news about flora and fauna losses and wonder if we, as individuals, can do much of anything that will make a difference. Gardeners in particular are accustomed to shaping our yard to the garden of our choice. But when we choose plants and the design of our gardens we need to consider the larger picture.

Most of the plants of choice now are plants from Asia, not Texas, or they are the weeds ( annuals ) our ancestors brought over from Europe. Our gardens have become a hodge podge of plant materials from around the world and not part of a larger plan.

If we, as gardeners were to all choose plants native to our areas ( pre colonialist ) then we could create a patchwork of native plant habitats that would grow over time. These habitats would provide food and shelter for native species to grow and thrive.

Unfortunately some have taken gardening with native plants as an excuse to let the yard grow wild with weeds. This have given native plants a bad name and created the stereotype of native plant people to be a bit daffy. Native plant gardens need to follow the same basic design principles that our more common gardens follow. They can and should be just as pretty to look at as what we now plant.

Get familiar with invasive species. Remove them from your gardens, enlighten your neighbors and any stores you find selling invasives to an unwitting public. Limit the amount of lawn. Ditch those plastic and silk flowers made from petrochemicals. They are an abomination.

Remember that when you spray an insecticide something, perhaps a young bird, will come and eat those insects you poisoned.

Do the research. Find out what plants are native to your area. Plant them and the native species will grow. Use local materials for your hardscape. The place will look more natural. Anything that comes local takes a lot less gasoline to get to you.

Put up bird boxes. Put out water for the birds.

Use rain water collection systems and don’t let our water go to waste.

Grow more of your own food.

Recycle.

Most importantly relax and enjoy your garden. Leave some dead trees for the woodpeckers. We have lost most of our cavity dwelling birds because the woodpeckers who create the homes for them have no material to work with.

Send your children outside to play. The world is a wonderful place.

Remember that most butterflies, moths and insects have a specific host plant. Lose the plant and you lose the butterfly.

And that is how you, as a local small gardener can make a difference.

While his philosophy is not my own, it was an inspiring talk. I left fully intending to rip out my gardens and plant all natives. Then I realized my garden is more than half natives so I didn’t feel so bad.

If you are even a little bit inspired or interested be sure to check out The Stephen F Austin State University SFA Mast Arboretum and the Piney Woods Native Plant Center. They would love to hear from you and tell you more about what they are doing.

If you build it they will come.

See also:
Texas Invasives

Cymbidiums like a bit of cold weather ( ~40′F) and an occasional frost. I was told Houston is not cold enough for cymbidiums to rebloom. One plant has done very well and two have done so-so. The one that is doing well has two flower spikes ( see top picture ) that appeared the first week of March. So it can be cold enough in Houston to grow cymbidiums and have them bloom. They are likely to do better on the north side of Houston. A long series of consecutive nights below 55′F is needed for re-blooming. (preferably 1 to 3 months ) They can handle light frosts but will not be happy with extended cold below freezing.

Cymbidiums want a full sun, and a wet spot ( but not standing water ) that is low and protected from the wind. Cold air tends to puddle in low spots that are protected from wind in the winter. Any location you have where roses have done well, that tends to be chilly in the winter should be fine for cymbidiums. The one I have that is doing the best is in the wettest spot of the three plants I have here.

Orchids are known to be heavy feeders so fertilize often. Otherwise they should just take care of themselves and grow into large plants with more flower stems as they get larger.

You can divide cymbidiums when they get too large but they are finicky about that and probably won’t flower for a year or two after you divide them.

They are native to south east Asia and north Australia and grown quite happily in large sections of California.

There is also a miniature version, I do not know if that will do well here.

( The flowers began to open the last week of April. )

More information:
The Cymbidium Society of America

Leadwort is a member of the Plumbago family. Plants that have ‘wort’ in the name were once believed to be cures. Spiderwort would save you from spider bites, leadwort was believed to protect from lead poisoning. Probably it is the color of the flowers that lead people to believe it would protect you from lead poisoning.

Leadwort begins blooming late summer and will bloom until winter sets in. It may die back to the ground in colder winters but should winter over fine most years. Mine pretty much dies back each year, new leaves appear late spring.

The plant is compact and makes a good border plant. It is often sold as a ground cover. And can be invasive in the right conditions. It will only reach 6″-12″ in height and spread to about 18″. It also does well in window boxes and hangers where it will cascade over the edge of the planter.

It can be divided early in the spring before new growth appears. It does not transplant well in the summer. If you must move it, do so during the winter dormant cycle.

Plant in sun to part shade, mine is in part shade and quite happy, it does best in full sun. Watering needs are average preferring slightly moist soil.

Houston is really a bit warm for this plant it will do better north of the city and probably not do well south of the city.

Plumbagos are found in warm coastal climates worldwide, leadwort is from South Africa.

Wow I am stunned!

I received the following email this morning. Is it any wonder that gardeners can not get accurate information? Mind you this is someone claiming to be a reporter, not a columnist.

I just love the fair and balanced approach. I can see this reporter’s articles will be full of facts and useful information.

Hello garden bloggers!

I am a reporter from Columbia News Service writing an article about a study that found the fragrance of flowers in urban areas has decreased over time as a result of air pollution.

As famous garden bloggers, I was hoping to ask you questions about your garden maintenance, planting choices and any pollination issues you might have. If you long for the days gone by - clean air, more plants, etc. - you will be the perfect voice in this story.

My deadline is unfortunately quite soon - Thursday evening - but I was still hoping to spend a few minutes speaking with you over the phone; I promise to make time for everyone interested in speaking with me. Please feel free to call my cell phone anytime at xxx-xxx-xxxx. It is rare that I do not pick up a call, but please leave a message if you get voicemail and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Columbia News Service is a news features wire where stories are written by Columbia University journalism master’s degree students and distributed over the New York Times Wire. My CNS pieces have been published in The Chicago Tribune, Washington Olympian, Indiana Gazette, Palm Beach Post and more.

Thank you in advance for your help!

—

Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx

Columbia University Journalism
Columbia News Service
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So where can gardeners go to get accurate information?

Your local Extension Office, now Texas AgriLife is an excellent source. Most offices have a large volunteer group of Master Gardeners well trained and available to help you.

Another good source is universities. Many have extensive pages online with more information than you could ever put to use.

See my Resources for Texas Gardeners Page for sources I trust.