Notes from a Texas Master Naturalist about native plants and why they matter to wildlife.
If you ever took typing lessons on an actual typewriter, you know the rest of the sentence: “The quick red fox jumps over the lazy brown dog.” We used to type it repeatedly to learn letter placement on the keyboard because it contains every letter in the alphabet. Nowadays, it seems most people type using a couple of fingers, or even thumbs, on virtual keyboards, but the placement of the keys is the same as in the past.
If your landscaping is following the trend of simplification by utilizing only a couple of easy maintenance shrubs, maybe it’s time to consider expanding to an “every letter in the alphabet” approach. You could find the results amazing and beautiful! In fact, here’s a challenge: update some of your garden areas to include native plants with common and/or scientific names beginning with specific letters. Perhaps a garden plot with plants whose names start with all the letters in your family name? Or in your favorite grandmother’s first name? Or if you are really ready for a challenge, how about including enough native garden spots throughout your entire landscape so you can boast of having plants with names starting with every letter? Now that would be something to brag about!
Native plant gardens are low-maintenance and turn your planting areas into a working landscape that attracts and feeds such wonderful wildlife. Both birds and insects are in serious decline and need all the help we can give in providing habitat – food, water, shelter and space! Your native plants can offer gorgeous blooms that give pleasure to your eyes with their seasonal colors, and provide the bonus of bringing colorful birds to your yard for viewing as well.
Your Native Texas Landscape consultant can help locate and install your “alphabet plants” in groupings with similar sun and moisture level needs so they can thrive, as well as bring beauty to your outdoors. And if you happen to have a lazy brown dog that lounges in the yard, watch out for that quick red fox!
Teri MacArthur has been a certified Texas Master Naturalist since 2001, and is an environmental educator offering a broad scope of adult and youth nature programs in the region.
