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Native Plant Society of Texas

Big Bend Chapter

Program – September 14: Learning to Garden with Natives in the Texas Big Bend

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[from Dallas Baxter]

Learning to Garden with Natives in the Texas Big Bend
Date: Sept 14, 2019
Time: 10-12
Location: Alpine Library

New to gardening in the High Desert? Inherit an old landscape/build a new house and at a loss for what to do? Trying to attract pollinators and birds? Help is on the way! The “Big Bend Gardener’s Guide” and the folks who wrote it will help you use the guide to get the most out of your garden. Talk with the experts; ask questions and take some positive steps in your landscape as fall weather invites us to spend more time outdoors.

See flyer for more information.

Reservation Information for NPSOT Programs
Please plan to make a reservation for each program. Some are limited seating but all will need a count for handouts and/or seating. All programs are free to NPSOT members and guests are welcome. We ask a $5 donation per person. That $5 can be used toward a new membership on the same day. Membership info is available at every meeting.

To make reservations, please e-mail Fonda Ghiardi. Please tell her your name, the number in your party, your e-mail and your phone – just in case we need to reach you.

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**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: billarmstrong

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason