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Going Native: Our Top 10 Native Plants for Houston. Native plants.

Going Native: Our Top 10 Native Plants for Houston

The term has different meanings for different gardeners. There are Texas natives, US natives and those plants that act like natives. All in all, what most of us want in our garden are low maintenance plants that are attractive and functional. Plants that are not invasive and are a benefit to wildlife. When you plant a garden, it is not just for you – it is a habitat for all living things around you. 1Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – Drought tolerant native that is a butterfly magnet.

Purple Coneflower 2Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’) This perennial coneflower has cheerful golden yellow flowers with black centers that offer long-lasting continual blooms. Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia Goldstrum 3Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) – Native to the US. Inland Sea Oats Inland Sea Oats Spikelets 4Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera can also be referred to as Morella cerifera) This multi-trunked, evergreen shrub can reach 20 ft. in height. The RunnerDuck Strawberry Planter Tree, step by step instructions. This project appeared in our March 5th, 2004 Newsletter.

The RunnerDuck Strawberry Planter Tree, step by step instructions.

It seems like space is always a problem when planting a garden. Well how about going vertical? This nifty strawberry planter does just that. This project requires a compound miter saw because of some of the compound angles you'll have to cut. Here's what you'll need: (8) 1" X 4" X 8' Tight Knot Cedar (1) 2" X 2" X 3' Cedar (100) 1 3/8" #8 deck screws Cut the center post from 2" X 2" Cedar 35" long.

Attach the four outside base pieces to the center pieces using two screws in each end. Now attach the supports using one screw in each end. The top should look like this. This is what your strawberry planter tree should look like at this point. Depending on how accurate you were at making your cuts and assembly last week, will have a lot to do with how well the shelves will fit. You will need a compound miter saw to make these cuts. First we need to mark each leg for the location of the shelves. That should pretty much rap up this project. Detailed information on Corkscrew Vine Vigna caracalla. Butterfly Bush Pruning – How To Prune A Butterfly Bush. By Nikki Phipps (Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden) We all know the importance of pruning shrubs and trees.

Butterfly Bush Pruning – How To Prune A Butterfly Bush

This process not only enhances the appearance of these plants but also fixes damaged areas and keeps them from growing out of control. And while it has been said that improper pruning practices result in weakened or damaged plants, this is not the case with the ever-popular butterfly bush. Butterfly Bush Pruning Pruning butterfly bushes is easy.

Most people prefer to cut back the entire shrub to within a foot or two from the ground, which actually allows it to become more manageable. When to Prune a Butterfly Bush As with knowing how to prune a butterfly bush, when to prune a butterfly bush is another aspect of pruning for which there are no absolutes. Keep in mind that butterfly bush pruning may require an additional layer of mulch around the bush for insulation, especially in colder climates. Butterfly Bush Transplant Pruning. Tips and Advice on Outdoor Gardening, Flower Gardens, Plants, & Seeds - Dave's Garden.