In 2009 Paula Stone bought 10 acres of worn out land on the edge of Fredericksburg. The vision this avid native plant gardener had was not what she saw – a land littered with tires, washing machines and golf balls – but of one that incorporated the beauty of nature. For Stone this has culminated in a “ridiculous number of gardens”.
Over her 16 year stewardship, Stone has steadily reduced the non-native invasives while introducing dozens of missing native species. Each area of this beautiful landscape invites pollinators, birds, and frequent visitors to the joy of home. Hear her tips and tricks for making your garden easier to maintain, so you can enjoy more and work less.
Stone is a 12 year member of the Fredericksburg Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas. She has been on the board for ten years, serving three terms as president and currently serving a third term as vice-president. She has presented at previous meetings and taught all but one of the Native Landscape Certification Programs. She frequently shares encouragement about our native Texas ecology and up-to-the-moment pictures from her garden on the Fredericksburg Chapter – Native Plant Society of Texas.
This month’s meeting is April 28 at St.Joseph’s Halle (212 W. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg). Meetings are free and open to the public. Come early at 6:30 pm to make new friends. The short chapter announcements and program begin at 7:00. You may attend in person or via online streaming (https://www.youtube.com/@fredericksburgtexasnativeg4884). More information is online at Facebook (@fbgtxnpsot), and Instagram (@npsot_fredericksburg_chapter)
About the Region
This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.
The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.
Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.
In 2009 Paula Stone bought 10 acres of worn out land on the edge of Fredericksburg. The vision this avid native plant gardener had was not what she saw – a land littered with tires, washing machines and golf balls – but of one that incorporated the beauty of nature. For Stone this has culminated in a “ridiculous number of gardens”.
