How to Landscape With Native Plants in Midland, Texas
Xeriscaping is a method of gardening that means “dry scape.” Xeriscaping involves using plant tolerant species native to the area to create a beautiful, low maintenance landscape. Midland, Texas, receives a mere 15 inches of rain a year, according to FindtheBest.com, and is the perfect location to xeriscape. It is also a green way to landscape your home. Because the plants are native to the area, they require less water and less chemicals. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Identify the area that needs to be landscaped. You should think about what your vision is for the area. Are you wanting to plant a colorful butterfly garden or does the area need a little ground cover? If the area is in front of a window, choose shorter plants so that you do not cover the view from the room. Be sure that the area drains well.
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Clear the area with a shovel or a rake and remove any nonnative plants. Consider a rock or wood border to distinguish the area from grass.
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Research the plants you would like to integrate into the landscape. Be sure to choose plants that are a variety of sizes for visual appeal. Generally, you plant the tallest in back, and smaller and mid-sized plants in the middle and front. The Midland Native Plant Society recommends using some of the following native butterfly and hummingbird-loving plants: autumn sage, Texas lantana, turk's cap, red yucca, four-nerve daisy, blue sage, and blue mist flower. The Sibley Nature Center also recommends implementing native shrubs such as antique roses, fall butterfly bush and Texas sage.
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Purchase your plants from a local nursery or catch a sale at the Sibley Nature Center.
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Plant them in the prepared area.
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Add mulch to the plant bed to prevent soil erosion and protect the soil from water loss.
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Water the area immediately after planting and every week until plants are established. After they are established, most of the plants will need to be watered every 3 weeks if it has not rained.
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Tips & Warnings
You can consult the Midland Master Gardeners, available through the county extension office, for additional help with your garden.
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- Photo Credit yucca explosion image by koi88 from Fotolia.com
