-
Volunteer: Texas Toadflax
I have several volunteer Texas Toadflax (Nuttallanthus texanus) plants here, especially in the front yard area. From a carpet of leaves that lie close to the ground emerge tall delicate stems with purple flowers that have an interesting shape. Continue reading
-
Mating Salt Marsh Moths
I was just wandering around my garden a few days ago when I saw a bright white object. Thinking it was a piece of trash, I reached down to pick it up and discovered that it was actually a mating pair of Salt Marsh Moths (Estigmene acrea). I first saw them about 2pm and they… Continue reading
-
My First Bluebonnet Flowers
I chose to grow Texas Bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) here for several reasons: They are the state flower of Texas. In fact, to allow for the different ecosystems in this vast state, there are actually at least five kinds of Bluebonnet that are deemed the state flower. The variety I am using is the most common… Continue reading
-
Three Sisters Garden #1: Mound Preparation
Sometime last year I heard of the concept of a “Three Sisters Garden” where three types of vegetable (corn, beans, squash) grow cooperatively together on mounds of soil. This particular gardening technique is based on centuries of Native American agricultural traditions and expertise. Corn is planted first. After the corn stalks have begun to grow,… Continue reading
-
“Tardily Deciduous”
In front of our house are two Live Oak trees, variety unknown (perhaps Quercus fusiformis?), planted by the builder before we moved here. That does not seem the best choice of tree in this location, given their potential mature size and susceptibility to oak wilt. If they had been unhealthy, I would not have hesitated… Continue reading
-
Volunteer: Smallflower Desert-Chicory
At first I thought this Smallflower Desert-Chicory (Pyrrhopappus pauciflorus) was a dandelion. Given that its other common names include Texas Dandelion and False Dandelion, my confusion is perhaps understandable. It seems to be quite abundant here, but if it’s not in the way, I’ll let it stay. Continue reading
-
New Spring Growth: Silver Ponyfoot
In late October last year, I planted three small specimens of Silver Ponyfoot (Dichondra argentea) in the front pollinator garden. This is a sun-loving native groundcover with white flowers and grey/green-colored leaves that have a metallic appearance in sunlight. During the winter it froze back but did not die. All three plants are showing new growth… Continue reading
-
“Green Mulch”
In my desire to create a little nature reserve in my urban lot, I could have spent a lot of money to get everything designed and installed in the first year. However, I prefer to take the longer strategy of doing things in stages, learning as I go. I think that when I look back… Continue reading
-
Volunteer: Cutleaf Evening-Primrose
This volunteer is a Cutleaf Evening-Primrose (Oenothera laciniata), which will be invited to stay unless it happens to be crowding out something else that I want (it seems fairly abundant here). Continue reading
-
New Spring Growth: Texas Mountain Laurel
My little Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora) tree was one of the first things I planted here in spring 2023. Until I came to Seguin, I was unfamiliar with this tree, but it is very popular here and elsewhere in central Texas. The progress of this tree has not been straightforward, and when it’s more… Continue reading
About Me
Nature Lover.
Inquisitive Observer.
Student Gardener.
I invite you to join me on my journey to convert my sterile (from a nature point of view) new house lot to a healthy and diverse ecosystem, as I make discoveries, mistakes, and hopefully progress. I am not an expert or professional. The project started in February 2023 and the location is Seguin, Texas, USA.
