Five Small Things That Make Guests Want to Stay Longer
Ever notice how some homes naturally make people feel comfortable? It usually isn’t because they’re bigger. It’s because they’re welcoming. As you prepare for fall gatherings, here are a few details that make a surprising difference. Create a place for conversation. Chairs that face each other encourage people to linger instead of leaving. Think about […]
Love Dragonflies? Maybe leave some dead plant stems for them!
Notes from a Texas Master Naturalist about native plants and why they matter to wildlife. Dragonflies have been abundant in most parts of the state this warm summer. But the approach of fall may seem to multiply the numbers of some species. More than a dozen different kinds of dragonflies migrate south in the fall, […]
Plants of the Month
Tree of the month: The Retama Tree (Parkinsonia aculeata) Also known as Jerusalem Thorn, Mexican Palo Verde, or Paloverde, is a fast-growing, highly resilient desert tree native to the Southwestern United States, particularly Texas, as well as Mexico and parts of South America. Its green stems and branches are armed with sharp, short spines that […]
Besides pollinator support, are there other benefits from native plants?
Notes from a Texas Master Naturalist about native plants and why they matter to wildlife. You already know native plants are great for birds and bees, but are there other perks from having native plants in areas of your landscape? Let’s consider just one of the many ways native plants make your garden healthier: soil […]
Why Some Neighborhoods Feel More Beautiful Every Year
Have you ever noticed that some neighborhoods seem to improve with age? The homes aren’t getting newer. Yet somehow, the entire community feels richer, more established, and more inviting. The secret isn’t architecture alone. It’s maturity. Trees stretch higher into the sky, creating shade and defining streets. Stone pathways develop character. Gardens become fuller and […]
