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Houston Chapter

Wildscapes Workshop

Wildscapes Workshop and Native Plant Sale 2024

Saturday, October 5, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
The Wildscapes Workshop and Native Plant Sale is an annual one-day educational event, silent auction, book sale, and local native plant sale. This year's theme will revolve around WATER and we are working diligently to make all the things happen. Watch here for new posts as details become available. For now, we have a few highlights to share:
  • NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR! We will be at the Northside Columbus Club Hall in the Independence Heights area at 607 E. Whitney, Houston, Texas, 77022. This venue offers us a little more space, enhanced facilities to serve better lunch options, and–get this–the plant sale area has SHADE. Yes, there are canopies over the plant sale. No more standing in the hot sun to purchase your plants. Hooray!
  • We will be doing PRE-ORDERS this year for some select trees and shrubs, books, and yard signs. More to come on that soon… 


Interested in helping?

There are a number of ways to contribute to Wildscapes Workshop.

  • We are currently seeking SPONSORS. This workshop is the Houston Chapter’s only annual fundraiser. Not only do donations make this event possible, they help fund our Wildscapes grant program, monthly meeting speakers, invasive species removal in the Houston area, and other efforts that support our mission (to promote research, conservation and utilization of native plants and plant habitats of Texas through education, outreach and example). Learn How to Become a Sponsor.
  • Do you have items to donate to the SILENT AUCTION? We offer a fun collection of plant and wildlife themed items. Past donations have included garden decor, native landscape consultations, national park coolers, seed starting kits, and so much more. 
  • Closer to the event, we will have opportunities to volunteer the day of the event.

Pre-Order Select Plants Now

Wildscapes Workshop’s expert speakers will inform and delight us with their knowledge of Texas water issues, trees for sustainable water management, and creatures that thrive in wet habitats.

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Sponsorship Opportunities

The Wildscapes Workshop is the Houston Chapter’s only annual fundraiser. Proceeds support wildscaping grants, monthly meetings, invasive plant removal, field trips, classes, the Kate Hillhouse Scholarship Fund, local conservation efforts,

Read More »

Speakers – 2024

Wildscapes Workshop’s expert speakers will inform and delight us with their knowledge of Texas water issues, trees for sustainable water management, and creatures that thrive in wet habitats.

Read More »
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About the Region

New Braunfels, the location of our Fall 2024 Symposium, straddles both the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion and the Blackland Prairie ecoregion. Interstate 35 divides the city of New Braunfels; its path through the city closely parallels the boundary of these two ecoregions, with the Edwards Plateau on the west side and the Blackland Prairies region to the east. 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 four host chapters (New Braunfels, Lindheimer, Guadalupe, and the Hill Country chapters) are located in one or both of the ecoregions above. However, the eastern portion of Guadalupe County also falls within the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. Annual rainfall averages 35 to 45 inches, with higher averages to the east. A wide variety of hardwood trees are found, including several species of oaks, elms, and in the Bastrop area, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Grasses and forbs dominate in the open savannas, with most common grass being little bluestem. Ranching, agriculture, and fire suppression have allowed woody species to encroach on the once-open savannas.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason