Rewilding My Lot

Early in my time here, in spring 2023, I planted a Chile Pequin (Capsicum annuum). This is a small drought-resistant shrub with spicy berries that birds like.

However, this plant didn’t survive and I think that was somewhat my fault. At that time I was too inexperienced to realize that a new plant here does actually need some support (water) while it becomes established. I didn’t help it enough before we were hit with the brutal hot and dry summer of 2023 and it never recovered from that trauma. So, lessons learned: plant in fall if possible, and provide water for a few weeks to establish a new plant.

I acquired a second Chile Pequin at a recent Native Plant Society of Texas plant sale, and it’s now installed in the west-facing bed behind the house.