Rooted In Texas

By R. Blaine Odom

"Rooted In Texas: A Guide to Native Landscaping and Rewilding" by R. Blaine Odom "

In "Rooted In Texas," author R. Blaine Odom presents a compelling and practical guide to revolutionizing landscape design by harnessing the power of native plants, flowers, and trees. With a strong focus on promoting ecological health and biodive

• Language: English
• Publisher: Primedia eLaunch LLC
• Release date: Sep 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088289600

Book preview

A Journey into Eco-friendly,

Sustainable Landscaping With

Texas Natives

R. Blaine Odom

Rooted in Texas: Embracing Native Plants in Landscape Design

Copyright © 2023 by R.Blaine Odom

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced without written permission except for brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

Printed in the United States of America.

ISBN - Paperback: 979-889184757-6

First Edition: July 2023

Table of Contents

Introduction

One • Understanding Native Plants’ Benefits

Two• Designing Your Native Garden

Three • Preparation and Planting Techniques

Four • Lawns — a Biological Desert

Five • Native Plant Care and Maintenance

Six • Attracting Wildlife

Seven • Rewilding

Resources for Native Plants • 109

About the Author • 110

An Invitation • 111

Introduction

In the vast expanse of the Lone Star State lies a botanical treasure trove of incredible diversity and untamed beauty – Texas native plants. This book is a celebration of the ecological heritage and intrinsic value that these resilient plants hold. We are about to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the captivating world of Texas flora. We will delve into the myriad reasons why these indigenous plants are fascinating and essential for sustainable landscaping and conservation.

Texas native plants have thrived for millennia, adapting to the state's diverse landscapes, from the rolling plains to the rugged mountains and the coastal prairies to the arid deserts. These remarkable species have coexisted with the land's native inhabitants, leaving an indelible mark on the history and culture of the region. As we uncover their tales, we will find that they are more than mere botanical specimens; they represent a living connection to our past and a sustainable future.

This book aims to unveil the compelling reasons for incorporating Texas native plants into our daily lives. They offer various benefits, not just for gardening enthusiasts but also for the larger ecosystem and the well-being of our communities. Through the pages that follow, we shall explore four main reasons why these plants deserve a place in our hearts and gardens:

The first is resilience and adaptation. Texas native plants have honed their ability to withstand the state's extremes – from droughts and wildfires to unpredictable weather patterns. Their resilience is a testament to their ability to thrive under challenging conditions, making them valuable additions to sustainable landscaping practices that foster ecological harmony.

In addition, they support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. As we embrace native plants, we create natural habitats that attract and sustain diverse wildlife, from insects and birds to mammals. This biodiversity enhances the ecological balance and contributes to the ecosystem's overall health, ensuring its resilience against environmental threats.

Water conservation and sustainability are parts of the push to use more native plants in our communities. In a state frequently grappling with water scarcity, Texas native plants have evolved to thrive with minimal water consumption. By choosing these drought-resistant species, we step towards conserving this precious resource and promoting sustainable gardening practices. Their functionality in erosion control helps to maintain our precious water supply.

Texas native plants have been integral to the identity and culture of the region's indigenous peoples and early settlers. By incorporating them into our landscapes, we honor the land's rich heritage and forge a stronger connection with our surroundings. It is fascinating to learn that these indigenous plants have been present in this region long before the arrival of the colonizers and were utilized by Native Americans for centuries without causing their extinction. Such a history is truly enriching.

By the end of this book, I hope you'll find yourself inspired by the wonders of Texas native plants and will embrace these botanical gems for their inherent beauty and the invaluable contributions they make to our environment and our lives.

Unabashedly, this is a missive designed to champion the concept of sustainable, native plant gardening. Having always wondered what to call it, environmentalist best describes my passion. The definition of that word describes a person who is concerned with or advocates the protection of the environment. Suppose we as a nation don’t begin to foster the cause of converting as much of our non-native plantings to those that are adapted to the locale in which we reside. In that case, our declining water supply, our polluted streams, lakes, and oceans will escalate to the point of altering our very existence negatively. Join me on a journey of exploration, focused on resilience and sustainability to protect the natural heritage of the Lone Star State for future generations.

We can make a difference, one lawn at a time.

• One •

Understanding Native Plants and Their Benefits

Native plants refers to the flora and fauna naturally occurring in a specific region or ecosystem. These plants have developed over time to thrive in their natural habitat’s water, sun, and temperature ranges without human intervention. On the other hand, adapted plants are not native but can still thrive in local conditions. Both plant categories can benefit insects, mammals, and the avian population. Still, our focus will be on those plants that require the least maintenance, water, and fertilization—native plants of Texas.

Native plants provide a variety of food sources, such as nectar, pollen, seeds, leaves, and stems, for butterflies, insects, birds, and other animals. They help reduce energy consumption and pollution as there is limited need for mowing and the use of pesticides. Furthermore, their deep root systems increase the soil's water storage capacity, significantly reducing water runoff and preventing flooding. Incorporating native plants into your landscaping can enhance the visual quality of your property and make it more appealing. Contrary to popular belief, your property doesn't have to be a barren landscape filled with rocks and cacti. There are a variety of beautiful native plants that exist and can be used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property.

When deciding which native plant to use, remember that, in addition to USDA Zone information, you control factors such as water, fertilizer, pesticide use, and weed control to help your garden thrive. However, temperature is a crucial aspect that cannot be controlled and plays a significant role in a plant's survival ability in a particular region. Be cautious when looking at the extremes your chosen plant can withstand. An extreme change in either the heat or cold your garden must endure can adversely affect the plants you choose, so be aware that some plants are considered tender in some temperatures and may not survive if exposed to them for long, even if the USDA zone map indicates they are hardy in that zone.

It is important to note that if a plant is indigenous to a particular region, it can withstand that area's average minimum winter temperature. Nevertheless, it does not imply that the plant is native to all regions with the same average minimum winter temperature.

In North America, Zone 8 is one of the warmest zones, containing much of the southern quarter of the United States, including much of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Arizona, California, and coastal Oregon and Washington. Even so, plants that grow in all these ecoregions won’t necessarily thrive in Texas.

For example, certain Texas and Coastal Washington areas fall under Zone 8-9a. However, if one were to drive around the Coastal Washington area, one would not come across any Texas native plants growing there naturally. Although it is possible to cultivate some Texas native plants in the Coastal Washington area under controlled conditions, they would be considered exotic ornamental plants. As a result, they would not be classified as native plants since they are not indigenous to Coastal Washington.

In Texas, where water conservation is often a concern due to the state's hot and arid climate, several lawn alternatives can be used instead of traditional grass lawns. These alternatives are more drought-resistant and require less water and maintenance. Here are some options:

Native Grasses

Instead of non-native turfgrass species, consider using native grasses adapted to the Texas climate. Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides), Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis), Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), and Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) are examples of native grasses that require less water and are well-suited to Texas landscapes.

Sideoats Grama is a delightful warm-season grass with distinctive oat-like seeds hanging on one side of the stalk. It blooms with small, bright purple and orange flowers that are particularly eye-catching in late summer. This compact, low-growing prairie grass develops into a sizable clump, reaching around 2.5 feet in height, and features striking bluish foliage. As autumn approaches, the grass changes color, turning to shades of gold. Though not a grass that would necessarily be used as a lawn like those mentioned above, its height and shape make it an excellent companion for