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Native Plant Garden and Landscape Planning
The idea of designing and planning a garden (or an entire landscape!) can be daunting. Start small - plant a few small plants and work your way out!
Not sure where to start? You're in luck - start here.
Flame acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus), also know as Wright's Desert Honeysuckle or Hummingbird Bush
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Austin Watershed Protection
This guide contains 10+ pages of Texas plants that do well in landscape settings from shady spots to all-day sun. Find the perfect plants for your space!
*Please note that some plants listed in this guide are not native to Texas, but are considered to be adapted and non-invasive.
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Aggie Horticulture
The Texas A&M Agrilife Extension has spent years developing the most sustainable practices for gardening, yard maintenance, and tree care in our dry, hot climate.
Calyptocarpus vialis (horseherb or straggler daisy) makes a great turf replacement for lawns. Pic from my yard in central Austin.
Butterflies flock to native mistflower and coreopsis at the LBJ Wildflower Center in South Austin
Gregg's Mistflower and Zexmenia at the LBJ Wildflower Center
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City of Austin
The City of Austin has a large collection of tip sheets and landscape design templates that encourage smart water use, natural pest control, and planting the right plants in the right places.
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Native Prairie Association of Texas
NPAT has a great step-by-step guide on creating a native prairie garden in spaces smaller than an acre. Remember - a single native plant is better than none!
Michael McDowell's stunning native garden in Plano, TX. Photographed by Pam Penick. Original photo here.
Ready to grow?
Native Planting
Resource Guide