What exactly is Xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping is an innovative way to garden, especially in areas like Houston, where water conservation is crucial.
- A method of landscaping that reduces the need for irrigation.
- Focuses on water-efficient plants, usually native to the region.
- Incorporates design principles that minimize water use and maximize beauty.
Lately, I’ve heard a lot of buzz on the benefits of replacing invasive or non-native plants in our yards with native species. As it turns out, research consistently shows that native plants contribute to healthier environments and ecosystems, while also supporting a greater diversity of wildlife and native insects. Plus, they also reduce water bills and maintenance times. Unfortunately, native plants across North America are disappearing at an alarming rate due to human progress. In Texas, decades of native plant loss have led to habitat destruction, soil erosion, reduced genetic diversity crucial for ecosystem balance, and a growing disconnection between people and the land. These problems are made worse when non-native plants are used in landscaping. We took time to reflect on this very issue at the Evelyn Meador Branch Library and decided to partner with Clear Lake Native Plant Society to convert 15 of our raised beds to native plants only. The result was amazing. They are aesthetically pleasing and easier to maintain without using fertilizer or herbicides. This is simply my opinion, but I feel that in a way; they also pay tribute to the indigenous tribes that once dominated this land.
The non-native plant invasion has infiltrated our stores
Did you know there are over 1,200 invasive plant species in North America, and more than 700 are still sold in nurseries and big box stores? Preserving native plants is vital. You can help reestablish native plant communities in your yard and community simply by choosing to landscape with native species. Whether your project is small or large, your efforts help conserve water, support local ecosystems, and reconnect your surroundings to the natural character of your region.
Dealing with your HOA
If your HOA is anything like mine, then you know how strict they can be about what is allowed in your yard. Before making drastic changes, take time to share your design with them to ease any tensions that may arise. If your HOA denies your plan then you can provide them with a copy of Texas Property Code Section 202.007 which protects your right to use drought-tolerant landscaping and water-efficient features like drip irrigation and rainwater collection. You could start a trend in your neighborhood that creates a beautiful habitat for wildlife that supports native insects while reducing the need for fertilizers and water.
Shrink Your Lawn
If you’re unsure where to begin, consider removing lawn areas that are:
- In the center of the yard, where an island bed can serve as refuge for small creatures during mowing.
- Under trees, providing a soft landing for caterpillars.
- Out of public view, where transitioning to a more natural, “wild” look won’t face resistance.
- Difficult to mow areas, such as slopes or roadsides, which can instead become low-maintenance native plant beds.
Remove Invasive Plants
Use the Seek app by iNaturalist to identify plants in your yard - just upload a photo for an instant ID. Cross-reference with texasinvasives.org to check for harmful invasive plants.
Seek app for iOS | Seek app for Android
Make A Home for Wildlife
Planting native species—especially keystone plants—attracts essential insects and wildlife to your yard. Once established, native landscapes demonstrate the truth behind the saying: “Plant them, and they will come.”
Design Your Native Landscape
Sketching out your plans before planting is a great way to organize your ideas. Your local library is a great resource for books filled with design inspiration. Let your landscape become a living, thriving part of Texas' ecological heritage; beautiful, resilient, and full of life.
If you have further questions, feel free to submit them to a Harris County Master Gardener.
This month on the “Green Thumb” Program, Stephanie Gray, Master Gardener and County Extension Agent with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service answers any questions you might have and breaks down all you need to know on Xeriscaping and drought tolerant plants. The “Green Thumb” program is a monthly video lecture series led by a Harris County Master Gardener and hosted by the Harris County Public Library.
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