Native and Adaptive Landscape

Santa Rita Prickly Pear
Santa Rita Prickly Pear/ Opuntia violacea

As a Texas Realtor®, Betty Saenz knows the importance of landscaping. Twenty percent of your homes value can come your front and backyards. Betty is a certified Texas Master Naturalist, and she encourages home owners to plant native and adaptive plants.

There are a number of desirable benefits from planting Texas native and adaptive plants for your home’s landscaping. These plants have shown a tolerance for drought and can survive a cold winter as well as a hot summer so they will be easier to maintain. They will also help you attract butterflies, birds, squirrels, and other Texas wildlife. Native plants are also better for our overall Texas environment because they won’t be invasive if they begin reproducing outside your backyard.

These plants are drought tolerant when established. They thrive best with well draining soil and can be watered when soil is dry to the touch. During winter months these plants require protection from frost like conditions and in warmer months they do best with regular watering.

Some favorite native Texas flowers for backyards include: Henry Duelberg, crepe myrtle, Texas Gold Columbine, and Lord Baltimore hibiscus. Yuca, prickly pear, and cactus can be added for a Southwestern look. Rosemary and oregano are among the tasty spices you can grow in your garden.

Adaptive landscape plantsThe city of Austin has published a great guide for local backyard plants called Native and Adapted Landscape Plants. You can download it for free by clicking on that link.

Betty Saenz is your expert guide to Texas landscaping. If you’re looking to sell or buy a home with unique landscaping or you’re planning to plant your own garden, don’t hesitate to contact Betty Saenz today at (512) 785-5050 or email.