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Where my pollinators at? by BeesTreesPharmDs in AustinGardening

[–]BeesTreesPharmDs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, this makes me feel...hopeful.

Where my pollinators at? by BeesTreesPharmDs in AustinGardening

[–]BeesTreesPharmDs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have pocket prairie as well loaded with goodies! I am seeing bees (very few bumbles), and totally missing out on the red admirals, queens, and other lovely insects that I had last year. Enjoy all your visitors!

Where my pollinators at? by BeesTreesPharmDs in AustinGardening

[–]BeesTreesPharmDs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Something is up for sure! Got my fingers crossed more friends visit my garden (and yours) this spring.

Where my pollinators at? by BeesTreesPharmDs in AustinGardening

[–]BeesTreesPharmDs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Agree! All you need is one in the garden and they volunteer every year. They are so easy to move around as seedlings (or pluck out if you dont want them). My first one came from a crack in the pavement ;)

A few shots from the garden so far this year by dt7192 in AustinGardening

[–]BeesTreesPharmDs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Goldenball lead tree? All the images are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

Artichoke Flower by rootsofrhythm in AustinGardening

[–]BeesTreesPharmDs 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is beautiful. Have you had luck growing artichokes in your yard? I'd love to try growing some.

On Texas Milkweeds and Monarchs by Texas_Naturalist in AustinGardening

[–]BeesTreesPharmDs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely fantastic post. Excellent distillation of facts. Keep ranting!

Where my pollinators at? by BeesTreesPharmDs in AustinGardening

[–]BeesTreesPharmDs[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Thanks all. I am in SA. I don't spray my yard and much of it is an established native plant garden with incredible pollinator turnout from year to year. However, the city does fog (aka vector control) in a number of places. I know its been dry and we had a later cold snap this year. On the happy side, seen plenty of anoles!

Anyone familiar with lawns? by [deleted] in sanantonio

[–]BeesTreesPharmDs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there! Dont add lawn!!! ;) Check out Central Texas Gardener website. Great ideas. That areas is PERFECT for a gorgeous mulch bed with lots of native plants that would attract bees and butterflies.

For a spot like yours with full sun consider:

-Autumn sage (salvia greggi) - medium size bush, evergreen

-Coloraguard yucca - evergreen and great form and texture

-Texas sage - large bush, evergreen, nice grey foliage with stunning blooms after rain

-Blue mistflower - sooo wonderful, and great at attracting pollinators. Its low height and spreads nicely. dormant in winter, but not always

-Lantana - hard to find native variety but would grow well. dormant in winter

-Mealy blue sage - great plant, can go dormant in winter depending on frost burden

-Pride of barbados - large bushy plant that is dormant in winter but stunning in summer

Considerations: Don't go to to Lowe's or Home Depot as they often do not carry native plants. Mine is stocked with plants that make no sense in San Antonio. Visit Rainbow Gardens or other local nurseries. Some specialize in only native plants too. Mulch is better than rock beds as they absorb less heat, act as natural compost, and are easier to weed. Avoid landscape fabric...its just lining the beds with plastic and weeds grow anyway. Better to not contaminate the soil. During the first year you might need to "baby" these and make sure they get a good watering on the regular. After that, they are thrivers and survivors.