NPSOT  Chapter  of the Year - 2002 - - 2006 -

Frequently Asked Questions

1. If my yard is small and in a Boerne subdivision, what should I plant that would be a good representation of "Hill Country Natural"?
   See our "Recommended Native and Adapted Plants for Boerne" for suggestions.
    
2. What is a Native Texas Hill Country plant?
   My short and unscientific answer is: plants growing naturally here when the Europeans settlers arrived. Plants that were brought westward by early settlers some 300 years ago and adapted well are often referred to as naturalized or adapted. Our native region includes Central and Southwest Texas. Northeastern Mexico plants do well locally.
   
   For further information on natives and exotics, read Bill Ward's article "What Does It Mean To Be Native".
    
3. What is an Exotic Texas Hill Country plant?
   Exotics are bullies. They are aggressive, naturalized and detrimental to the health of the native plant population. Sometimes called "Invasive Exotics”. They choke out the native plants. Examples of exotics in the Texas Hill Country are: Ligustrum, Chinese tallow, Japanese honeysuckle, Saltcedar, Vinca, KR Bluestem, Bermuda grass, St Augustine, Chinaberry, Nandina, Pyracantha
    
4. Are we still looking for small pots (1 qt. size) for growing plants for the plant sale?
   I have used cardboard (?) milk or orange juice cartons as pots in the past, and they are free if you drink either and rinse them out before storing. They can be cut to the depth you want, and actually the depth is good for many deeper rooted native trees and shrubs. They are square so you can place them close together (saves space and water if you sprinkle since the water doesn't fall between the cartons as it does with round pots). The wax or whatever is on the cartons allows them to last longer than you would think if there is just a little space left between cartons so they can dry out on the outside after watering. You can punch several holes in the bottom for drainage, or if you really want to try something interesting, cut the bottom out completely and place the cartons on some screen wire that is elevated off the ground so air can "root prune" the long tap roots that might otherwise circle the bottom of a pot and cause long term root girdling of the plant. After planting in the ground, the air pruned roots will branch out and get the plant off to a good start. (Submitted by Marvin Hatter)
    
5. Why did my redbud not bloom this year?
   The tree needs to be 4-5 years old before it will bloom.
    

Disclaimer: These questions were researched by members of the Boerne Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and the answers are factual to best of our knowledge.